The New Super Vitamin

Vitamin D is becoming the new super vitamin.  New studies have shown that stocking up on vitamin D may improve your health in a variety of ways. 

Backaches.  Among 360 chronic back pain patients, symptoms improved in nearly 95% of those who took high doses of vitamin D daily for 3 months.

Ward off Cancer.  Taking 300 IU (International Units) or more vitamin D daily may cut your risk of developing breast cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer in half!  Why wouldn't you want to do this?

Diabetes.  In a study of more than 83,000 women, those who had the highest combined intakes of calcium and vitamin D had the lowest risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Type 2 is different than type 1.  Talk to your doctor to see if you are at risk for either of these types.

What are some symptoms of being vitamin D deficient?

Heart damage.  Inadequate amounts of vitamin D may increase the risk of peripheral artery disease by 80%.

Weak Bones.  According to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston,  85% of women hospitalized for osteoporotic hip fractures had a deficiency of vitamin D. People who have ostepersious can benefit from taking vitamin D daily.  If women receive the depo shot, a form of birth control, this can diminish bone mass, be sure to talk to your doctor about taking vitamin D on a daily basis.

Increase the blues.  Studies have shown that lower levels of vitamin D may actually increase depression in some individuals.  If you think you are depressed, seek treatment with you doctor before beginning any treatment.