Does it make sense to check Vitamin D levels?

[krishnang]

A friend says that most Indians have low levels of Vitamin D (but also wonders whether the level was set too low based on Caucasian bodies and life). He says low Vitamin D levels cause numerous problems and correcting them also helps diabetics and heart patients immensely. Any suggestions or critiques on this?

[norreal]

Krishnang: Yes I think your friend has made a relevant point. BTW we get it through sunshine but its absorption/ usefulness perhaps gets impaired because of inadequate availability of Vitamin K or K2 and or two other minerals. This certainly requires looking into. (When my friend's doctor in Canada pointed this out, I started taking Theragran Ultra on alternate days omitting Centrum on those days)

[patliputra]

Your friend is about right that a great number of people are difficient in vit D. The easiest and surest way to get it free of cost is SUN SHINE. Exposure to sun light between 10 am to 2-3 pm for even half an hour is sufficient for your requirement. The ultra violet Rays activate cholesterol in sub cutaneous fat to manufacture vit D, which is directly absorbed in blood vessels. There is no other requirement for vit D absorption from skin.

[MRA13 in reply to patliputra]

Sir,

I read that since we cover up our bodies and only face and arms are exposed, just walking for 1/2 hour in the sun would not be enough. Again, darker skins act as barriers.

Supplements can cause vitamin D toxicity as well in large doses.

There is a lot of info on the Net about this.

[shrisamarth Volunteer in reply to MRA13]

Toxic levels of vit. D are rare for deficient person even with high doses. Mostly after level of 70ng/ml the levels remains steady or rise very slowly.

[patliputra]

Even 1/2 an hour exposure to sun light of face and arms is enough .

[shrisamarth Volunteer]

If someone is severely deficient then it is must for him to to supplements.

[rsridhar220962]

Chemically Vit D is Calceferol. It is a product of metabolism of Cholesterol in our body. As long as our medicos suggest to avoid Oil & fats in our diet, we are bound to have vit D deficiency. We have remember one thing clearly is that cholesterol is produced in our body by liver, brain and intestine.

Right now we are leaving head (Cholesterol) catching tail (Vit D).

Covering Body does not help is stopping radiation attacking our skin.

Taking supplements of Vit D does not help because, Vit D produced by our body is in sulphated form; Contemporary Science is yet to manufacture this.