West Grand Medical | Vitamin D Deficiency

Acute Outpatient Treatment For acute illnesses of family members from newborn to geriatrics
Physical ExaminationsWellness exams, insurance, employment, school and sports physical
Well Child ExamsAssessment of growth and development, immunizations and newborn care
Cancer ScreeningPap smears, breast examinations, and other skin lesions
Allergy TestingTest to determine allergies and provide treatment
Office TestingUrine analysis & culture, serum chemistry screens, blood counts, electrocardiogram and x-ray of chest and extremities
Patient EducationNurse coordinator and variety of information available

In addition,free Blood Pressure Checks and Weight Checks with Nurse, no appointment necessary.

Vitamin D Deficiency

This is a very common problem affecting 50% or more of the population in a northern state such as Iowa. Current evidence in the last five years show that vitamin D is important in all tissues of the body, not just bones as previously believed. Also the serum levels needed to prevent cancer and autoimmune disease are much higher than the extremely low levels necessary to cause serious bone disease such as rickets.

Why are vitamin D levels low?

Vitamin D comes from two sources: sunlight and diet. In Iowa, we only have adequate sunlight to make ample vitamin D for about five months each year. Use of sun screen prevents vitamin D production. The half-life of vitamin D in the human body is three weeks, so in the absence of adequate sources of vitamin D, most Iowans have vitamin D deficiency well before the end of winter. Dietary sources of vitamin D are few and include seafood, fortified foods (milk, orange juice), and supplements (multiple vitamins, cod liver oil, calcium/vitamin D, and straight vitamin D).

Much debate is occurring among medical experts on how much vitamin D is enough, and how should you get it. Concern exists for increases in skin cancer with increases in sun exposure. Studies on fortified foods reveal that much of this vitamin D is not available, especially in low fat/non-fat dairy. Current official vitamin D recommendations are from 200 to 600 units per day depending on age, but many studies show these amounts are inadequate for many people and that doses up to 5000 units daily are safe and necessary for them.

What are the risks of vitamin D deficiency?

Traditionally vitamin D deficiency has been known to cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. This can present with symptoms of bone and muscle pain. Recent studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with increased cancer risk (colon cancer has been proven; studies are pending for breast, prostate, and lung cancer, as well as a dozen others), hypertension, autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes), many heart problems, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, adult diabetes, and generalized fatigue and weakness. Recent evidence shows benefit for decreasing risks for influenza and colds with adequate vitamin D. Studies are being done for mental health problems and benefits may be seen for depression and dementia.

What should I do to prevent or treat vitamin D deficiency?

This is best decided after discussion with your provider. Increased sun exposure can raise levels of vitamin D, but not during the late fall, winter, or early spring and can increase skin cancer risks. Increased consumption of fortified foods can raise levels, but dairy has quite a bit of calories and can cause weight gain and also increase risk for kidney stones. Daily supplements (at least during the winter months) are reasonable for most people. Adequate amounts can be determined by blood levels.

This is a brief summary of vitamin D deficiency. For specific questions and concerns and for detailed information specific for you, please make an appointment with your health provider.