Are you Vitamin D deficient ???
In a study medical researchers from Israel show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infection severity. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were 14 times more likely to have severe or critical illness compared to those with blood levels of 25(OH)D3 that were above 40 ng/ml.
These findings build upon results initially published.
Why Over 200 Scientists And Doctors Call For Increased Vitamin D For All
In an open letter to public health officials, doctors, and healthcare workers, leading medical experts from around the world came together to make a strong statement regarding Vit D health benefits to immune function.
This letter falls on the heels of a similar case made in an Op-Ed in Medpage by former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, who urged physicians to take responsibility and not to “wait for perfect evidence when making life-and-death decision
The consensus among researchers and physicians educated on the benefits and safety of vitamin D3 supplementation is clear – achieving adequate vitamin D status should be one of our highest public health priorities.
What Does The Research Say About Vitamin D And Immune Function?
Vitamin D3 has health benefits beyond the bones and teeth. In particular, it is critical to immune function, especially in helping to protect against respiratory viral infection. There is scientific evidence that higher blood levels of vitamin D3, as well as vitamin D3 supplementation, are associated with a reduced rate of developing respiratory tract infections due to viruses.
In a detailed review in one of the most well-respected sources in the world, the British Medical Journal, researchers assessed the results from 25 randomized controlled trials with a total of 11,321 participants, ranging in age from infancy to their mid-90s. Results showed that vitamin D supplementation produced a 70% decrease in respiratory tract infections in those with initial low vitamin D levels. In those without vitamin D deficiency, there was still a 25% reduction in respiratory tract infections.
Who Are Most At-Risk For Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency may be the most common health challenge in the world as the vitamin is not readily available from food, but it can be formed when sunlight hits the skin to change a compound (7-dehydrocholesterol) in the exposed area of skin into vitamin D3.
Vitamin D deficiency is common because most of us spend most days indoors, or are covered up with clothes or sunscreen when outside. Residing at a high latitude (less sun exposure); aging (older skin is less responsive to sunlight); darker skin (melanin reduces the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin); and obesity, liver disorders, and type 2 diabetes – these conditions reduce the conversion of D3 to the more active 25-OH-D3 by the liver.
Vitamin D3 deficiency is diagnosed by having a blood level of 25-OH-D3 of less than < 20ng/ml. But adequate vitamin D levels are those above 30ng/ml, and optimal levels are thought to be in the range of 50 to 80 ng/ml.
Table 1 - Troubling Statistics on Vitamin D3 Deficiency in the United States
70% of the population have inadequate levels of vitamin D (blood levels below 30 ng/ml)
50% of the population is vitamin D deficient (blood levels below 25 ng/ml)
60% of all hospital patients are vitamin D deficient
76% of pregnant mothers are severely vitamin D deficient
80% of nursing home patients have inadequate vitamin D levels
When having blood tests, I recommend my clients get their Vit D tested amongst others and often include this in supplementation plans, or even better still in Zinzino Balance Oil. https://www.zinzino.com/2009915538/AU/en-GB/products/Premier-Offers/Balance-Kits/910331
