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Middle Eastern women may have vitamin D deficiency

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Andy Battaglia:
Sharmin,

As more studies are released, it has become apparent that vitamin D has an affect on most if not all bodily functions. te immune system is no exception.

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminD/


--- Quote ---mmunity

Vitamin D in the form of 1,25(OH)2D is a potent immune system modulator. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed by most cells of the immune system, including T cells and antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages (7). Under some circumstances, macrophages also produce the 25(OH)D3-1-hydroxylase enzyme that converts 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2D (8). There is considerable scientific evidence that 1,25(OH)2D has a variety of effects on immune system function, which may enhance innate immunity and inhibit the development of autoimmunity (9).
--- End quote ---

People whose lineage is originally from warmer climates and have darker skin, need more vitamin D. It has been proven that the darker your skin, the more sunlight is needed daily to provide the necessary amount of vitamin D. These areas of the world also coincide with the thalassemia belt. During the winter months, exposure to the sun is infrequent in the colder climates and even when exposed, it has also been proven that not as much D is absorbed during winter months, as the sun's strength is less. If you are from a genetic background that is historically from warmer climates you will most likely need to make sure your vitamin D intake is sufficient if you want to have optimal health. This includes the immune system.

Sharmin:
Although there were many factors that contributed to my son's antibodies, exposure to multiple antigens and possibly some predisposition to developing antibodies in those conditions - I think that his vitamin D deficiency may also have played a role. 

Over time, avoiding exposure to the antigens and giving him vitamin D will be important.  This is another reason that thals should be taking vitamin D as it may offer protection against autoimmune illnesses like MS, AIHA, and lupus.  These diseases are difficult to deal with on their own, coupled with thalassemia they can complicate the situation immensely. 

Sharmin

KHALIFA:
Andy really i don't mind to change my home with you if you want we have the sun here for all the year 365 days for more than 12 houres ,,, any way guys i invite you all to come here in kuwait incase of shortage of Vitamine D  :wink
                                           khalifa
                                     state of kuwait

Dori:

--- Quote from: KHALIFA on February 12, 2009, 09:59:29 PM ---Andy really i don't mind to change my home with you if you want we have the sun here for all the year 365 days for more than 12 houres ,,, any way guys i invite you all to come here in kuwait incase of shortage of Vitamine D  :wink
                                           khalifa
                                     state of kuwait

--- End quote ---

 :grin If I ever come in the area, I know where to find you  :wink

Dori:
Let's hope I post this in the right area:


--- Quote ---Redefining Vitamin D Deficiency Would Mean Many More Black Teens Would Have Unhealthy Levels, Study Finds
09 Mar 2009   

Changing the definition of vitamin D deficiency would put many U.S. teenagers, blacks in particular, at unhealthy levels, according to a study published in the March issue of Pediatrics, Reuters Health reports. Having healthy levels of vitamin D is necessary for bone development and maintenance, and it also plays a role in nerve, muscle and immune system function.

According to Reuters Health, "there is debate over how the optimal vitamin D level should be defined." Currently, levels of vitamin D in the blood have to be below 11 nanograms per milliliter to be considered deficient. Some experts consider a level of 30 ng/mL or higher to be desirable for overall health, but many argue that the threshold should be lower at 20 ng/mL.

For the study, Sandy Saintonge of Weill Cornell Medical College and colleagues examined data from a government health survey of about 3,000 teens ages 12 to 19. They found that under the lower optimal level, 14% of the teens would be considered vitamin D deficient, compared with 2% under the current standard. Fifty percent of black teenagers would be deficient, compared with 11% under the current standard, according to the report. Overweight teenagers also had an elevated risk at the lower level, according to Saintonge.

The findings suggest that teens should take vitamin D supplements and have their blood levels routinely checked, especially if they have an increased risk of deficiency, according to the study (Reuters Health, 3/5).

An abstract of the study is available online.

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

© 2009 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141489.php

Main News Category: Nutrition / Diet

Also Appears In:  Pediatrics / Children's Health,  Public Health, 

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