The New News About Vitamin D
Unfortunately, between our lifestyle and our conscientious use of sunscreens, most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. Studies have shown that this vitamin’s beneficial effects extend to reducing the risk of colon, breast and prostate cancers. And it’s long been known that vitamin D helps maintain strong bones. Older adults can also reduce their risk of falls by more than 20% by ensuring that they get enough vitamin D. A study recently reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that “vitamin D may also improve muscle strength, thereby reducing fracture risk through falls.”
Blood levels of vitamin D are low in at least one in five women who live in North America and northern Europe, and most post-menopausal women also get too little dietary calcium. But the former deficiency may be more important than the latter, according to new research results. In fact, recent research suggests that higher-than-RDA intake of vitamin D is probably more important than RDA-level intake of calcium to bone health!
That’s because there is actually a tightly intertwined connection between vitamin D, calcium and a lesser known (to the lay public) substance call parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. When blood levels of calcium are low, the thyroid gland secretes more PTH, which raises the level of calcium by taking it from the bone. If this pattern continues, bones will eventually become brittle and prone to breakage.
Enter vitamin D. High blood levels of vitamin D inhibit secretion of PTH, thereby preventing the loss of calcium from bones. Conversely, low vitamin D levels prompt loss of calcium from bones and raise the risks of osteoporosis and fractures. This is one reason why most experts say the RDA for vitamin D (400 international units per day) is too low and should be increased to 600 to 800 international units per day or even higher.
As an active researcher, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
I take Vitamin D and find that it constipates me. I am slightly low according to my bloodwork. I take magnesium in order to help.
Hi, I am currently taking a huge range of Dr Perricone’s recommended suppliments for my spotty skin (as well as following the diet) but was wondering rather than taking a calcium pill too can I add something to my diet that’s a good source of calcium that is anti-inflammatory. I have been eating plain natural yoghurt a few times a week, is this sufficient and how much would I need to eat?
Thank you
Izzy
Vitamin D is actually a steroid. It acts as an anti inflammatory and has huge effects on mental health. It not only helps the absorption of calcium but also other minerals such as Magnesium.
@Izzy Mustafa
Salmon is a very good source of calcium and is also an anti inflammatory becuase of the DHA and EPA oils in it.
Dr. Perricone,
I think your hollistic approach to beauty, good health and quality of life is simple, yet invaluable to all of us wanting to improve our lives. Thank you so much for caring enough to keep us up to date on all the latest health and beauty advice!