Vitamin D Deficiency Guide

Nearly two-thirds of the northern population is
considered deficient in vitamin D.

Throughout much of the world, vitamin D levels are inadequate. There are many studies showing that getting the proper amount of vitamin D helps to prevent some diseases, as well as helping in other areas of the body.

The problem with vitamin D, however, is that it
is fat-soluble. This means it is possible to consume toxic amounts of the vitamin.

Vitamin D has been shown to act on the regulation of over 2700 different genes by acting on elements that respond to the hormone we call a vitamin.

Cancer prevention may be promoted when levels reach 90 nmol/L and at 100 nmol/L, your body can successfully resist infections like tuberculosis and influenza.

Blood vitamin D levels at or above 120 nmol/L are associated with the lowest mortality rates.

However, blood levels over 150 nmol/L have been shown to be linked with increased mortality, so there is a fairly narrow U-shaped curve where vitamin D levels are most beneficial.

Adequate vitamin D levels (as 25(OH)D) are associated with increased absorption of some vital nutrients.

These include calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphate, zinc, and copper.

Calcium is vitally needed by your skeletal system, so increased absorption of this mineral is essential for good bone health.

Magnesium is useful for muscle function and iron for blood cells and oxygen transport.

However, excessive 25(OH)D levels in the blood also increase the absorption of certain toxic elements.

It has been postulated that this is involved in the increased mortality rates were seen in patients with very high vitamin D levels in their blood.

Vitamin D levels over 150 nmol/L have been linked to increased absorption of aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, and lead, as well as radioactive isotopes like cesium and radioactive strontium.

In children, elevated vitamin D levels during the summer (due to increased sunlight exposure) are linked with a seasonal increased blood level of lead.

Many people take multivitamins without harm, and, in fact, many doctors recommend them. If some nutrients can interact with each other negatively, why would they be combined in a single product in the first place?

Well, most multivitamins are formulated to counteract any of these negative interactions, so you’re mostly safe.

The problem is, you might be getting too much or too little of a needed vitamin. For example, magnesium can increase vitamin D levels – but vitamin A can decrease them.

Basically, you might be better off skipping the multivitamin in favor of a balanced diet and a couple of supplements that your doctor has suggested.

3. Copper and Zinc.

Both zinc and copper are needed for optimal immune health and healing. They work closely together for wound elasticity and resistance.

However, zinc can interfere with copper absorption and high blood levels of zinc (equal to or greater than 50 mg/d) can actually cause copper deficiency.

This deficiency (although rare) can lead to anemia, hypopigmentation, connective tissue disorders, bone defects, abnormal lipid metabolism, ataxia, and a higher risk of infection.

4. Fish Oil and Gingko Biloba. Omega-3 fish oil supplements have been shown to offer heart-healthy benefits, help with weight loss and fat reduction, help prevent vision loss and neurocognitive injuries.

Gingko Biloba supplements have been used to treat cognitive impairment. However, they have something in common: they’re both blood thinners.

Taking these together increases your risk of uncontrolled bleeding,

5. Iron and Green Tea.

Iron is another immune system helper. It helps with oxygen transport, hemoglobin manufacture, and the breakdown of free radicals (among other things).

However, mixing it with some beverages can have a negative effect.