A report from University of Toronto shows why come people develop severe vitamin D deficiency while others do not (Clinical Biochemistry, July 2009). Some people and mice have abnormal Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and therefore cannot respond to vitamin D normally (Endocrine Reviews, June 2008). They are at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, certain cancers, depression, athletic injuries, muscle weakness and so forth.
Furthermore, some people can take very large doses of vitamin D pills and still have low blood levels of vitamin D. Dr. Robert Heaney of Creighton University reports that taking 2,200 IU of vitamin D every day will give only enough vitamin D to last 12 days (Journal of American College of Nutrition, June 2009).
Over the years I have been unable to run effectively in the winter and injuries forced me to miss six Boston Marathons. This same pattern of winter-time weakness and injuries plagued me when I switched to cycling. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I drew blood and found that my vitamin D3 level was 22 ug/ml (normal is over 75). Taking as much as 3000 IU of vitamin D failed to get my blood levels much over 30. I moved to Florida and rode my bike very well last winter. This winter was extremely cold and cloudy ,and my injury and weakness pattern recurred. I notice that a good day in the sun allows me to ride well for about three or four days, but the weakness and injuries recur until the next day of warm sunlight. My skin has never been damaged by sunlight, has no pre-cancers and looks much younger than my 74 years.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated directly with muscle weakness (Scandanavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, October 2009) and athletic injuries (Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, November 2009; Molecular Aspects of Medicine, December 2008). It is my opinion that:
* Certain people are genetically susceptible to vitamin D deficiency
* These people are likely to be injured when they try to exercise vigorously in the winter
* Vitamin D pills will help some athletes, but many do not regain their athleticism at any dose of vitamin D pills
* These people will get better when they are exposed to sunlight during exercise.
* These people are likely to be injured when they try to exercise vigorously in the winter
* Vitamin D pills will help some athletes, but many do not regain their athleticism at any dose of vitamin D pills
* These people will get better when they are exposed to sunlight during exercise.
Of course they should be concerned about skin cancer from excess sunlight, but I think that people who are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency (such as those with darker skins) are at reduced risk for skin cancer. However, I have no available data to support that impression.
Hi Gabe, I didn't read anything in your blog about eating 2 soft boiled eggs a day, or raw in a smoothie. Soft (not HARD) boiled eggs offer 100% protein, and about 50 benefits from the yolk, including production of Vitamin D when the skin is struck by sunlight. This might get you through cloudy days in the wintertime. I enjoy two soft boiled eggs a day., every day. – Alexia Parks
I recently heard of two instances where people who were born and spent a major part of their lives in 'sunny' countries (Brazil, Cyprus) and then moved to the United States were diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. Their holistic doctor prescribed 5,000iu of vitamin D daily and the symptoms such as joint pain, low energy level, malaise disappeared and they feel fine now. What I don't know is whether they are taking the oil form or mycelized (water based form). I seem to remember that it is possible that overdosing on vitamin D can cause toxicity in the body, probably from the oil form which is not as readily excreted from the body when not needed. So it would be very important to establish your optimal level of vitamin D with the guidance and monitoring of a qualified nutritional practitioner.
Are there any medical tests we can make to see if the <a rel="follow" href="http://www.healthtree.com/articles/vitamin-d/index.php">Vitamin D deficiency is inherited? On my last medical check my doctor warned me about a possible vitamin D deficiency. Do you also have some practical suggestions on how to cope with that?