The most readily available source of vitamin D is the sun’s UVB rays.  With cold weather comes more clothing, less outdoor time, and shorter days; possibly resulting in some of our lowest vitamin D levels of the year. Some experts are concerned that the increased use of sun screen is making vitamin D deficiency a year round concern.

Role of vitamin D:

• promotes calcium absorption in the stomach
• maintains serum calcium/phosphate levels
• promotes bone growth/remodeling
• linked with decreased risk of cancer, Crohn’s,                 depression, type 1 diabetes, MS, autism, and prostate   hyperplasia

Vitamin D and your eye:

• associated with increased risk of proliferative diabetic      retinopathy
• may contribute to macular degeneration

General guidelines:

• under 1, 400 IU
• between 1-70, 600 IU
• over 70, 800 IU

Those at highest risk of vitamin D deficiency:

• diabetic individuals
• those with macular degeneration
• homebound individuals
• people who have undergone gastric bypass
• those with fat absorption problems
• elderly individuals

If you think you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, then ask your doctor about having your serum levels tested.  It is generally accepted that levels below 30 ng/mL are inadequate and levels above 50 ng/mL are sufficient.

By Dr. Cook, O.D.