Posts Tagged Vitamin D
Vitamin D Deficiency Addressed Again
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on June 8, 2011
There has been an annoyingly large amount of back and forth over whether we should be taking large amounts of vitamin D to compensate for unrecognized deficiencies of the critical mineral. First, most of us weren’t getting enough, then we were so, don’t worry and don’t take too much. A new study has recommended screenings, specifically of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, not the active 
levels, for specific groups that are at risk of severe vitamin D deficiencies. These groups include the obese, those with malabsorption issues, african americans and pregnant/lactating women.
The study, conducted at the Boston University School of Medicine, includes new guidelines for screenings for levels of vitamin D that should be that should be present in the blood. Generally a level of 30 ng/mL has been considered acceptable, but the recommendation is that clinicians should aim for a target level of between 40-60 ng/mL. Many feel that the guidelines of 400 IU daily of vitamin for children and young adults and 600 IU for adults through the age of 70 is conservative because so many people are deficient and don’t realize it. Regardless of the current guidelines, getting tested to check your level and making sure you are getting the minimum couldn’t hurt. Obviously, the medical community is still battling this one out and we still don’t have a clear answer. Until they figure it out, don’t sit around and assume you’re OK. You’re the one who cares the most about your health so it’s up to you to be sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Dietary Supplement Use is On the Rise: Are They Worth It?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on April 19, 2011
With all of the reports in the news about vitamin D deficiency, the importance of calcium, B12, and many other vitamins and minerals, Americans are ingesting vitamin supplements like candy. These supplements aren’t cheap and the research is unclear about the benefits. But we’re taking them anyway. A new study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics stated that the percentage of adults taking supplements rose from 42% in 1988-1994 to 50% in 2003-2006. 
The largest increase was for calcium. The number of women aged 60 and over who take calcium supplements increased from 28% to 61%. Interestingly, the number of women who can get pregnant and who take folic acid, which is known to prevent neural tube defects, remained constant.
Calcium and folic acid have been proven to prevent disease, but there is a lot of controversy about other vitamins, especially vitamin D. MicroNutrient tests can provide information about whether you are absorbing enough of specific nutrients based on recommended intake numbers from the FDA. The real question is whether the numbers that are provided by the FDA provide enough of the necessary nutrients. Controversery over how critical vitamin D is to overall health and disease prevention may have limited the number of people who would reach for a vitamin D supplement. Currently, the FDA does not support megadoses of vitamin D and in fact, there may be research to support a claim that too much vitamin D can cause health problems. It is important to know whether you are getting the right amount of key minerals and vitamins, but don’t go overboard until there is solid research to support it.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Maybe More Isn’t Better: New Information on Vitamin D
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on December 2, 2010
Have you started taking vitamin D supplements based on research that it is a cure-all? Studies indicated that if you didn’t get lots of it you would not only have weak bones and develop osteporosis but contract a host of other health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, severe asthma, and an increased risk of cancer, specifically of the breast, colon, prostate and pancreas. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to Type 2 Diabetes and autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. A new report released this week by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) states that there is not enough evidence to support this long list of illnesses.
The report, which reviewed over 1,000 previous studies, concludes that the only definitive benefit of calcium and vitamin D is bone health and that the new levels the IOM developed will provide enough of the nutrients to do that. The IOM indicated that although these health problems may be related and should be researched, the evidence that exists regarding the side effects of too much vitamin D doesn’t outweigh potential benefits. Just as studies in the past found that hormone replacement therapy caused serious negative side effects, the report “challenges the notion that ‘more is better’ “. The new RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for vitamin D for adults 18-50 is 600 IU and for adults over 50 it is 800 IU. Levels in the blood are measured in nanograms per milileter and acceptable levels for most people are defined as 20ng and 30ng.
Recent studies touting the benefits of megadoses of vitamin D had claimed that adults should have levels over 30 nanograms per milileter to reap the full benefits of the vitamin. However, the upper limits listed in the RDI are not meant to be strived for or the amount that people really need. Large numbers of physicians began conducting vitamin D tests for patients as a matter of course along with other standard physical tests. Although it is important to know that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals, it is just as critical to know that you’re not getting too much of anything instead of pushing the upper limits!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
New Research Finds a Link Between Calcium Supplements and Heart Attack
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on July 30, 2010
A recent study which rolled up the results of other previously conducted trials has led researchers to conclude that the use of calcium supplements to prevent and treat osteoporosis may need to be reassessed. The research, published online in the BMJ, noted that people taking calcium supplements had between 27 and 31 percent highter risk of heart attack than study subjects taking a placebo. The author of the study, Dr Ian Reid, a professor of Medicine at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, said that “Calcium supplements (without coadministered vitamin D) are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction.” When taken with vitamin D or when the calcium is taken in through foods and naturally occuring sources there doesn’t appear to be an increased risk.
Getting enough vitamin D is critical to your overall health for many reasons and looks now that it is even more so if you are taking calcium supplements. Monitoring your nutrient levels and tracking your risk for a cardiac event may help you to determine whether you should discontinue taking calcium supplements. Dr. Reid indicated that although more research is needed, the medical community may want to reconsider it’s recommendations to older people to take supplements to prevent the bone loss caused by osteoporosis. As always, take a look at your specific medical needs and consult your doctor to discuss next steps in light of these findings. Having tests done before you see your doctor can prepare you for a conversation about your calcium needs.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
CDC H1N1 Flu Updates:- Press Briefing Transcript: Dr. Thomas Frieden's Remarks at the 2010 Influenza Workshop for Journalists
- HHS News Release: WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
- WHO Statement on H1N1 in post-pandemic period
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update
- MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update