There was a time when vitamin D was only thought to fortify skeletal structure through the minerals calcium and phosphorous.

Now new emerging research reveals this vitamin performs many more tasks than just strengthening bones.

Pre-eclampsia is a devastating systemic disorder that is characterized by proteinuria (Protein in urine), high blood pressure and edema. This disorder can cause grave health problems for the mother and fetus.

It can cause premature delivery and is the leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death around the world.

The cause still remains unknown. But a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh found that vitamin D deficiency early in gestation is associated with a five-fold increase risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

Most people in the Western world are familiar with diabetes, particularly that of Type 2 diabetes. Since most individuals are afflicted with type 2 diabetes it is the one most publicized. Those suffering with type 1 diabetes have a small advantage over their counterparts.

Recent research has demonstrated that those who receive high amounts of Vitamin D during childhood have a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life. The greater amount of Vitamin D they received, the greater the benefit.

Vitamin D provides a great defense over cancer. In breast cancer, colon cancer, prostrate cancer, the sunshine vitamin has been shown to suppress cancer growth and the formation of blood vessels that feed cancer cells.

In a breast cancer study, 24 percent in the study had adequate levels of Vitamin D at the time of diagnosis. Those who were deficient were more likely to have the cancer metastasize or recur in ten years. And 73 percent of the deficient were more likely to die.

Because of the many Vitamin D receptors in the brain, it has been discovered that Vitamin D plays a very important role in maintaining and achieving a healthy mind. Though more research in this particular area of vitamin D functions is needed, it is worth mentioning since Vitamin D has been indicated in children with brain dysfunction (its exact mechanisms are still unclear at present).

Though behavioral and cognitive difficulties and their association to low vitamin D levels is still a little sketchy, what is known is how low vitamin D levels affect depression in the elderly.

Accompanied by an overactive parathyroid, low vitamin D levels have been implicated to increase depression in older adults, and in other mental disorders.

This information is particularly important because instead of treating patients with dangerous psychotropic medications that have side effects, depression could in the future be treated with a higher intake of Vitamin D or more calcium and exposure to sunlight.

Now that the many benefits of Vitamin D have been shown, it is time to describe where to find this vitamin and who needs it most. The largest source of this vitamin is the sun. Contrary to popular belief, spending time in the sun daily is not deadly.

Though there is such a thing as to much of a good thing, never spending any time in the sun is certainly not the better alternative. Lighter individuals need less time than darker individuals, about 15 minutes in the sun daily. For darker individuals they need approximately 30 minutes.

As far as who needs vitamin D the most, everyone needs it. However it has been recently shown that young children and infants tend to be deficient even though they appear to be healthy otherwise.

It's been deemed that the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C to be far too low. The highest amount suggested has been 600 IU. The Vitamin Council recommends at least 1,000 IU.

For years Vitamin D has been underestimated in its abilities and health benefits. The future only holds more data on how important this Vitamin is. Supplementation needs to be more emphasized.

Even supplementation for many other nutrients is important also. A healthy diet will supply many important nutients but you cannot always get an adequate amount of them without adding some on your own. Stores that sell them can give you the basic information which ones are most important to add to your daily diet.   

To your good health,

Sonny Julius

Sonnyj@TheSunnySenior.com

www.HealthyIdeas.homestead.com