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Many Americans Fall Short on Their Vitamin D

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Manal:
Thanks Andy :hugfriend

Narendra:
Ellen B. Fung in session Nutritional Deficiencies in Patients with Thalassmia did talk about the importance of Vitamin D at the conference. Here are some of the points I could note down. Sharmin - Could you add to it or correct me if there is anything incorrect below?

Vitamin D is the only nutrient that is synthesized.
Most of the cities in the northern part of US (New York, Boston for example) are below the 40 degree north latitude leading to most people in the northern part deficient in Vitamin D
For thals, Vitamin D supplement intake of > 1000 iu/day should be taken.
Factors to consider for Vitamin D are

* Clothing
* Sun Screen Use
* Latitude
* Season
* Altitude
* Time of the day - Greatest sunlight exposure from 10 am to 2 pm
* Skin Pigmentation
This was presented for patients in US, so others should consider the above factors prior to increasing their dose and talk with their doctors.

Manal:
Narendra


--- Quote ---Time of the day - Greatest sunlight exposure from 10 am to 2 pm
--- End quote ---


Isn't this the time you should avoid being exposed to the sun because of the harmful ultra-violet rays. I was always told that the best time is before 10 am or after 3 pm

manal

Narendra:
Manal,

You are right. That is what I always heard until now. I guess that was because this was in reference to the people in US, where the sun rays are a little weak compared to the other warm places. That is the reason, I mentioned the factors to be considered in the post above.

Sharmin:
Hi Manal,

Lil A's doctor prescribed him and additional 1000IU of vitamin D along with the Osteocare.  He told me that at least 2000IU a day should be given to him.  

There are so many things to consider when looking at vitamin D, sunlight etc.  Whereas, the best source of vitamin D is sunlight - exposure to UV is also a risk.  My dad for example, was severly vitamin D deficient so the doctor told him to get more sunlight.  My dad takes everything to the extreme!  Although he is from India, he is very light skinned with hazel eyes.  Often I would notice that his face would be burned!  His ears would turn red and peel.  This summer he presented with macular degeneration, one eye having wet macular deneration.  He has always had perfect eye sight and doctors have never seen any defects in his eyes.  They suggested that this sudden onset may have been related to sun exposure, because he has such light eyes.  

What I mean to say is that we need everything in balance.  It is important to get sunlight, but be sure to protect your eyes when you are in the sunlight (we often neglect our eyes), be sure to have sunscreen on ears etc that are likely to burn.  Perhaps be in the sunshine for short intervals rather than extended times.  Oral supplements, higher than previously suggested may be suitable - especially for people with thal.  IV megadoses can be discussed with doctors.  

As Narendra and Manal have said, much of what we hear does refer to people in the US.   I wonder how we can all find that balance, where we can have the benefits but avoid the risks.  

Andy, do you have any ideas?

Sharmin

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