I’ve been reading so much about this lately, that I think we’ll see a change in the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D within the next few years. Currently the RDA is set at 400 International Units (IU). This is probably the amount in your multivitamin. Some researchers are calling for the level to be increased to 1,000 IU.

Why? They’re finding that increasing blood levels of Vitamin D can have very positive health benefits. Boomers, take note, as many of the health benefits concern things that those of us “north of 40″ deal with!

More notable health benefits:

-Decreased discomfort in arthritic joints
-Better cognitive function
-Improved function of your immune systems
-Decreased risk for Type 2 diabetes
-Improved bone health
-Decreased risk for breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers

Studies suggest that up to 58% of us may be deficient in Vitamin D. How do you know if you’re deficient? Ask to be tested the next time you visit your health care practitioner.

It’s hard to get enough Vitamin D from food (often dairy and cereal products are fortified with it though). Your body can synthesize it’s own Vitamin D if you get enough exposure to sunlight, but that isn’t possible for all of us all year around. Supplements will most likely come into play for individuals wishing to increase blood levels of Vitamin D. Most researchers suggest supplementing in the form of Vitamin D3.

It’s never safe to add large doses of supplements without first consulting your doctor, but I’d recommend you do ask about whether supplementation would be beneficial for you at your next office visit. The benefits look mighty encouraging and well studied.

I’ve already talked to my internist and have started adding additional Vitamin D3 to my supplementation program.

Yours in health,

Becky

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