May 2009 (2)

Vitamin D Deficiency Increases the Risk of Fractures, Infection, Tumors. Really.

The current poster child of vitamin deficiencies is D. Unlike some others, this one is not uncommon and has actual scientific evidence to supporting the value of supplements for some people. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in its milder forms are barely distinguishable from hypochondiasis: muscle aches, frequent colds, and "immune system problems". But studies of large numbers of people have shown that those with D deficiency in fact suffer more often from a variety of problems including softening of the bones, immune diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections.

For example, a study of 6,000 men over 65 years of age found that low Vitamin D blood levels are associated with low bone density, which predisposes to hip fractures, which predispose to nothing good, I assure you. The Journal of Nutrition recently reported that a study of over 400 pregnant women found that vaginal infections were 26% more common in those with D levels lower than 50 and 65% more common in those with levels lower than 20. Black women were more likely to have lower levels because darker skin (and aging) interferes with synthesis of the vitamin.

The normal level of Vitamin D in the blood is 80 nanamoles per liter. If you want to know whether yours is lower, it is unfortunately very unlikely that your medical insurance will cover the cost of a blood test unless your doctor states there is clinical evidence that you have a deficiency. If the test is done, and the level is low (or if you are a vitamin hypochondriac and this article has made you worry that it might be low), you can increase the level by taking inexpensive, over the counter vitamin D3 supplements. These raise the level slowly over time. Engaging in outdoor activities also helps. Other things you can do to increase your D levels are be thin, be Caucasian, live in the South, and be younger. If a blood test shows that you have a severe deficiency, you can get an injection of D from your health care provider that will raise it more rapidly.

Hyper-vitaminosis D is extremely rare in people taking vitamins at recommended levels. When it does occur, it is usually caused by taking a form of vitamin D that requires a doctor's prescription.