We are definitely into winter now and unlikely to get our Vitamin D from the sunshine. So it is important that everyone takes a supplement during the winter months as research show that the average person today has lower levels of Vitamin D than their parents had 30 years ago!
Vitamin D is essential for:
1. Protecting against heart attacks
2. Helping with the absorption of calcium for strong bones.
3. Proper functioning of your immune system.
4. Dampening inflammation in the body
5. Reducing the risk of melanoma and other cancers
6. Depression
7. Memory loss
8. Optimum health
The latest study, published in Genome Research, shows that vitamin D may offer protection against autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.
Researchers conducted genetic analysis and found that vitamin D interacts with genes for such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis as well as colorectal cancer. Deficiency in the vitamin was linked to development of these diseases.
Researchers aren’t really sure how vitamin D plays a role in preventing these diseases, but it’s clear that the genes involved are regulated by the vitamin. Without vitamin D, there is no innate immunity.
So how much do you take? Mainstream would have you believe that 200 international units (IU) is enough for adults up to the age of 50, increased to 400 IU between 51 and 70, and 600 IU for people over 70.
There are many vitamin D experts who say this is far too low to make any difference in your health.
One of the researchers who conducted this latest study, though, has a different opinion. Sreeram Ramagopalan, of Oxford University, says 2,000 IU of vitamin D might be the key for preventing disease.
Start taking your supplement now.