bodykind - natural health and beauty blog » vitamin D

A hard tablet to swallow? The benefits of sublingual and transdermal supplements

katieguest — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:18 +0000

We are all becoming aware that the nutritional value of the food we rely on day to day contains less vitamins and minerals than it did 50 years ago and that our modern, pressured lifestyles impact on our natural health balance(1). For most of us we look to capsules, tablets and drinks to supplement our intake. However, recently a number of research bodies have reminded us that ingesting these nutrients is not the only way of ensuring an adequate supply… and maybe there are more efficient ways.

Our digestive health has never been so poor. The human body requires hydrochloric acid in the stomach to break down our food sufficiently in order for it to absorb the essential nutrients within. Historically, as we age our production of hydrochloric acid reduces but this process is becoming evident earlier and earlier in our lives. When we are ill, production further reduces. Hospitals will provide intramuscular injections or intravenous drips rather than tablets for certain nutrients for this very reason. The key therefore is to get the nutrients or medication into the bloodstream as soon as possible, reducing opportunity for wastage.

Absorption options:

Vitamin D is one vitamin that can be taken in a spray sublingually to help promote better absorption

A ground breaking study(2) by Dr Charles Heard of The Welsh School of Pharmacy investigated ways of reducing death from malaria. Victims often struggled with quinine tablets (an effective treatment) as vomiting and illness impeded their absorption. A simple quinine solution, sprayed under the tongue delivered the life-saving medication directly into the bloodstream. There’s no requirement for water or for a doctor to administer an injection. The mucous membrane around the cheek and under the tongue is an incredibly absorbent tissue and absorption is immediate. The concept works for other elements which either require the bloodstream to transport them to essential organs, such as vitamin D (essential for bone health and the immune system), or which struggle to be absorbed within the stomach such as vitamin B12 (a large molecule necessary for energy production).

The skin too should not be overlooked for its absorption qualities. We just have to look at the rapid rise of skin patches to see just how important the skin is. The body’s largest organ is a very hungry one and works hard to keep bad elements out of the body and absorb beneficial ones. A clinical trial this year(3) by Cardiff University showed how mineral salts such as magnesium are particularly well absorbed through the skin, whether sprayed on or absorbed in a bath, helping the body to normalise muscle function and absorb calcium. We all know how relaxing a mineral-rich spa pool can be for this very reason.

The lungs are a particularly interesting area. A very effective absorption membrane it benefits from an undulating surface area which, if laid flat would be the size of a tennis court. This is why smoking is such an additive activity. The benefits, of course, mean that people with respiratory difficulties can inhale muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories. Specialising in support for athletes The Magnesium Therapy Centre(4) in Orthenstraat, Holland, has developed a method of exposing magnesium chloride solution to ultrasonic vibration within a steam room, allowing the magnesium to be breathed in so enhancing the lungs ability for oxygen uptake.

There will always be a requirement for ingested nutrients but we should not ignore the fact that the whole of the body has been designed for optimum absorption.

Written by Andrew Thomas from BetterYou

References

1. National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Dep. Of health 2008-2010.

2. Delivery of atovaquone and proguanil across sublingual membranes, in vitro. Eleri Wallace, Charlene M.Y. Ong and Charles M. Heard. Welsh School of Pharmacy, UK

3. In vitro transdermal delivery of magnesium. 25 Oct 2011. Dr Charles Heard, Cardiff University

4. Magnesium Therapy Centre, Holland

Pregnant women should consume more vitamin D

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:24 +0000

Pregnant women could, and should, consume more vitamin D than experts currently recommend, according to a new study.

"Pregnant women need to take at least 1,000iu of vitamin D a day," says Dr Bruce Hollis

Current guidelines for daily vitamin D intake during pregnancy range from 200 international units (IU) per day to 400iu. For decades, doctors have worried that too much vitamin D during pregnancy could harm the mother and baby but growing research is proving pregnant women require more and not less sun.

The vast majority of our knowledge of the impact and importance of vitamin D has come from research within the last decade. Vitamin D is not only essential during pregnancy, research now states that supplementing with 1,000iu daily or more may actually reduce the risk of complications (1). A baby is born with around 50-60% of the Mother’s vitamin D levels (2). If the Mother is deficient then so will the baby. It has been proven that babies born in Spring have a higher propensity for illness than those born in Autumn, the reason being the Mother’s exposure, or lack of it, to sunlight.

A well referenced study looked at women in their second trimester and beyond. In the study, 500 women who were at least 12 weeks pregnant took either 400iu, 1,000iu, or 4,000iu of vitamin D per day. The women who took 1,000iu and 4,000iu were least likely to go into labour early, give birth prematurely, or develop infections.

“Pregnant women need to take at least 1,000iu of vitamin D a day,” says Dr Bruce Hollis, Director of paediatric nutritional sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina and one of the authors of the study. “The ideal would be 4,000iu. In the higher dosage groups we didn’t see a single adverse effect. It was absolutely safe, and we saw a lot of improved outcomes. The risk of preterm labour was vastly decreased and so was the risk of other complications of pregnancy.”

Taking supplements is the only practical way to consume that much vitamin D as to rely on food as a way of ensuring our daily amount is simply not feasible for our modern diets and lifestyles. A glass of milk delivers around 5iu, two eggs will give you 40iu and a portion of cheese around 50iu. Wild salmon is a good source providing around 500iu within a decent portion. However if the salmon is from a farmed source that quantity reduces dramatically to around 100iu!

Exposure to direct and unprotected sunlight is the most effective way of achieving our required levels but this is proving difficult as our modern lives keep us inside for longer periods of time. Add to this the fact that the UK is one of the cloudiest countries in the industrialised world. What we fail to remember is that our bodies only begin to store vitamin D at a blood level of 40ng/ml. The average blood level in Britain during Summer months is only 32ng/ml with Winter averaging on 19ng/ml! (4, 5)

“There are no risks,” Hollis adds, “as the conventional wisdom about the dangers of too much vitamin D was manufactured and based on flawed data”. “There was never any real harm, just misconceptions.”

Michael F. Holick, M.D., a professor of medicine, physiology, and biophysics at the Boston University School of Medicine, has maintained for years that getting too little vitamin D is worse than getting too much. Although doctors have been taught that vitamin D is toxic in large amounts, he says, vitamin D intoxication is extremely rare and easy to treat. The levels of vitamin D recommended in the study are sensible, Holick says. Previous research suggests that pregnant women who get too little vitamin D are more likely to develop high blood pressure and muscle cramping, he says. “Giving 4,000 IU a day to pregnant women not only doesn’t cause toxicity, but may improve birth outcomes,” Holick says. “The risks of vitamin D during pregnancy are overblown and the benefits are understated.” (5)

Prompted by the recent flood of research on vitamin D deficiency, the Institute of Medicine, an independent organization that advises the U.S. Government on health matters, is now considering whether to raise its guidelines for vitamin D intake, including those for pregnant women (currently 200iu per day) and the maximum safe daily dose (currently at 2,000iu). The new guidelines are expected to be announced in 2012/13.

Written by Andrew Thomas from BetterYou

References
1, 5: Randomized comparison of the effects of the vitamin D3 adequate intake verus 100mcg (4,000iu) per day on biochemical responses and the wellbeing of patients. R Vieth, S Kimball, A Hu, PG Walfish. July 2004.

2: Sunlight Robbery – Health benefits of sunlight are denied by current public health policy in the UK. Oliver Gillie. A report presented at The House of Commons, November 2005.

3: Assessment of dietary vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation. BW Hollis, CL Wagner, Medical University of South Carolina, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2004.

4: Zittermann, A., Scheld, K., and Stehle, P., Seasonal variations in vitamin D status and calcium absorption influence bone turnover in young women. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1998. 52: p501-506.

5: Sunlight Robbery. Oliver Gillie, Health Research Forum, 2004.

Beat the winter blues: Supplements and SAD

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:13 +0000

In Parts 1 and 2, I wrote about the impact of light therapy and diet on managing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and its milder form, the ‘winter blues’. In Part 3 we’ll look at further nutritional support for this common disorder.

Evidence suggests that people with SAD who have low levels of vitamin D might benefit from supplementation.

Vitamin D

As there are fewer daylight hours in the winter months, levels of Vitamin D in the body can drop. While light boxes represent a promising treatment option for SAD, they do not provide UV light and so will not boost Vitamin D levels. Researchers have tested whether Vitamin D supplementation can improve mood during the winter months. A double-blind study found that mood improved in healthy people without SAD who received 400 or 800 IU per day of vitamin D for five days in late winter (1).

Another study tested the effects of supplementation with either 600 or 4000 IU of vitamin D every day for six months (2). Both dosages led to improved mood and general well-being in the participants, with those on the higher dose experiencing greater benefits.

Although additional research needs to be done before any conclusions can be made, the available evidence suggests that people with SAD who have low levels of vitamin D might benefit from supplementation.

Magnesium

The Western diet, high in animal produce and refined carbohydrates, leaves us vulnerable to deficiency in the mineral magnesium. This may affect mood, because conversion of tryptophan to mood-enhancing serotonin is dependent on sufficient levels of magnesium. Studies indicate that an insufficient level of magnesium can alter also levels of melatonin and upset the body’s biological clock, a pattern that is seen in SAD (3).

Supplementing with magnesium can be recommended to those with insufficient intake. I prefer the forms magnesium citrate or magnesium taurate, which are bioavailable, well-absorbed forms.

Omega-3

I wrote about the importance of omega 3 in optimising serotonin levels in Part 2. These oils appear to have a natural anti-depressant action, and their effect on mental health has been widely studied. While omega-3 can be supplied through oily fish in the diet, those who are concerned with levels of mercury in fish might want to try supplementing with a fish oil that has been screened for contaminants.

Omega 3 oils appear to have a natural anti-depressant action, and their effect on mental health has been widely studied.

St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort is widely recognised as an effective supplement for mood disorders, and one small randomised study has investigated its benefit for those with SAD (4). The blinded study tested the effects of a daily dose of 900mg of St John’s Wort over 4 weeks. It concluded that the supplement may be an efficient therapy for those with SAD, though further research is needed.

This herb is thought to increase serotonin levels by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, working in a similar way to conventional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. If you are using a light box to relieve SAD or the ‘winter blues’, then you should check with your GP before taking St John’s Wort, as this herb can make your eyes more sensitive to light.

As winter approaches, the short days and long nights of the season can make life difficult for those with SAD. Even in its milder form, the ‘winter blues’, symptoms of low mood, fatigue and weight gain can make life miserable. The good news is that some fairly simply lifestyle adjustments can make a positive difference. Using a sunrise alarm clock in the mornings for instance can also help you get out of bed on the “right side”. The evidence for bright light therapy with an approved light box is compelling, and coupling this with nutritional support might just help you to banish those winter blues for good.

Written by Nadia Mason

References

1. Lansdowne AT, Provost SC. Vitamin D3 enhances mood in healthy subjects during winter. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1998.135:319–23.

2. Vieth R, et al. Randomized comparison of the effects of the vitamin D3 adequate intake versus 100 mcg (4000 IU) per day on biochemical responses and the wellbeing of patients. Nutrition Journal 2004. 3:8

3. Wester PO. Magnesium. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1987. 45 (5 Suppl): 1305–12. PMID 3578120

4. Durlach J, Pagès N, Bac P; Bara M, Guiet-Bara A, Agrapart C
Chronopathological forms of magnesium depletion with hypofunction or with hyperfunction of the biological clock. Magnesium research : official organ of the International Society for the Development of Research on Magnesium 2002.15(3-4):263-8.

5. Kasper S. Treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with Hypericum extract. Pharmacopsychiatry 1997. 30:89-93.

Healthy skin the light therapy way

katieguest — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:00:16 +0000

The health of our skin is often the first thing people notice when we speak to them. It can tell the tales of the past whether it be sun damage or pigmentation from enjoying just that little bit too much sunshine, or wrinkles and age spots just because of the inevitable ageing process. It can also display some of the more confidence-sapping conditions such as rosacea, eczema or acne. Like it or not, we can often be judged on our appearances and the health of our skin and if it isn’t looking or feeling its best it can make us feel insecure.

Of late, more people are turning to light therapy to help their skin regain its natural balance.

There are all sorts of lotions, potions and treatments out there to help improve the appearance of our skin, some more natural than others. Many people don’t fancy botox or collagen injections in search of eternal youth or want to take high strength prescription medicines to dry out their acne vulgaris. Often these prescriptions have negative side effects sometimes associated with these treatments, such as digestive complaints or further skin inflammation. Of late, more people are turning to light therapy to help their skin regain its natural balance and help improve the appearance of wrinkles, spider veins, acne and roseacea the natural way. Light therapy is the exposure to specific wavelengths of light for a specific amount of time in order to treat a particular disorder, problem or concern.

Daylight is a vital ingredient for our existence and since time began humans have responded to their natural environments. We feel happier in sunny months and our skin is often healthier when the sun is out for longer with more natural daylight available. Light lamps emitting red and/or blue wavelengths are often used for those with skin concerns such as acne vulgaris, p.acnes, rosacea, spider veins, wrinkles or inflammation. Blue wavelengths are used for anti-bacterial treatment, while red wavelengths are best for reducing inflammation, pigmentation and fine lines.

Models such as the Britebox dermaclear now combine both red & blue wavelengths in order to reduce both bacteria and inflammation.

Blue wavelengths are primarily used for the treatment of acne and to reduce bacteria, however many models such as the Britebox dermaclear now combine both red & blue wavelengths in order to reduce both bacteria and inflammation and for better, faster results. Infrared and red wavelengths are primarily used for skin pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, roseacea, spider veins and age spots.

Treatment times vary between models and can range from 3 minutes to 30 minutes per day with results being seen from anything between 24 hours and 8 weeks – depending on severity of the skin concern.

View our Skin Health Light Therapy Comparison chart here

We have many other blog posts on supporting the health of the skin written by Ani Richardson RNutri. For further reading, see her posts here.

Written by Katie Guest

References

*Extracts taken from bodykind’s Light Therapy Knowledge Base

The sunshine vitamin: Vitamin D and healthy immunity

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:00:02 +0000

New research supports the link between vitamin D and a healthy immune system. The recent study of almost 7,000 adults in the UK has confirmed a link between Vitamin D levels and the risk of infection (1).

New research supports the link between vitamin D and a healthy immune system. (5)

Natural sunshine can provide our bodies with up to 10,000iu vitamin D each day. This ‘sunshine vitamin’ helps to boost the body’s defences by increasing levels of ‘anti-microbial peptides’. Working like natural antibiotics, these peptides mount an attack against unwanted infections.

During the winter months, infections such as colds, flu and chest infections are common. It is believed that this increased risk of infection is due in part to the lower levels of vitamin D that we receive in the colder months.

There is however increasing concern over vitamin D levels throughout the year. After all, most of us are careful to protect our skin from the sun during the summer months, a sensible measure to help prevent burning, premature skin ageing and to protect against skin cancer.
The study, conducted by researchers from University College London, looked at the relationship between Vitamin D levels and infection. Higher levels of vitamin D were linked with lower risk of infection.

For each 10nmol/l (4ng/ml) increase in vitamin D, the risk of infection dropped by 7 per cent. The researchers discovered a further link between higher vitamin D levels and better lung function.

While this particular study was epidemiological in nature, it will be interesting to see how future controlled trials will further our understanding. After all, vitamin D not only supports the immune system and bone health. More recently, deficiency has been linked with cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose tolerance, poor muscle development and certain types of cancer (2). The Department of Health now recommends that certain groups in the UK population should take daily vitamin D supplements (3). These groups are:

• all children aged six months to five years old
• all pregnant and breastfeeding women
• all people aged 65 and over
• people who are not exposed to much sun, such as those who are confined indoors for long periods

BioCare’s BioMulsion D provides 2000iu vitamin D in just two drops

• people with darker skins such as people of African-Caribbean and South Asian origin

While vitamin D can be obtained in the diet through oily fish such as salmon and sardines, it is generally believed that supplementation is the most viable way of ensuring adequate intake. A recent European policy document concludes that “only vitamin D supplements or vitamin D enriched food products are truly viable options for optimising the vitamin D status” (4).

Bolstering your vitamin D levels can be as simple as spending some time outdoors every day, while ensuring that you eat vitamin D enriched foods such as breakfast cereals, milk, margarine and soy drinks. Those who would like to take an easily absorbed supplement might consider an emulsified liquid vitamin D such as Biocare’s BioMulsion D which provides 2000iu vitamin D in just two drops.

Written by Nadia Mason

References:

1. Berry DJ, et al. Vitamin D status has a linear association with seasonal infections and lung function in British adults. British Journal of Nutrition. Available on CJO June 2011 doi:10.1017/S0007114511001991

2. Vieth R, Bischoff-Ferrari H, Boucher BJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Garland CF, Heaney RP, Holick MF, Hollis BW, Lamberg-Allardt C, McGrath JJ, Norman AW, Scragg R, Whiting SJ, Willett WC, Zittermann A. The urgent need to recommend an intake of vitamin D that is effective. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:649–50.

3. NHS Choices. “Vitamins and Minerals – Vitamin D”. Web article. Visited on 30th June 2011.

4. The Standing Committee of European Doctors. Vitamin D Nutritional Policy in Europe. March 2010. Visited on 30th June 2011.

5. Image Ccourtesy of digitalart.

High levels of vitamin D associated with reduced risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration

admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:38 +0000

Age Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 in the UK. Previously I have written a lot about omega 3 fatty acids in relation to AMD, now a new study (1) published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has found that high levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream appear to be associated with a decreased risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration among women younger than 75 years.

A new study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has found that high levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream appear to be associated with a decreased risk of developing AMD (3).

To recap from previous posts: The macular is the light sensitive area in the centre of the retina that controls visual field and the ability to see colours. AMD is caused by the deterioration of the macular. As this happens the peripheral, outer, vision remains intact as the centre field of vision becomes slowly blurry, grey or filled with a large black spot. Two forms of AMD exists: the dry form which develops slowly, accounting for 90% of all cases; and the wet form which causes rapid deterioration of central vision.

The exact causes of AMD are unknown although free radical damage, where unstable oxygen molecules damage the eye cells, is strongly implicated. Tobacco smoke and sun exposure can increase the level of free radicals in the body and both are a risk for AMD. High blood pressure and diabetes are also risk factors as these conditions can limit blood flow to the eyes.

The scientists (1) conducting this study wanted to look at the relationship between blood levels of vitamin D (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D)) and the prevalence of early age AMD in over 1000 women. It is noted in the research paper that “Serum 25(OH)D is the preferred biomarker for vitamin D status, as it reflects vitamin D exposure from both oral sources and sunlight.” (1)

The initial (1) analysis found that no significant relationship was found between vitamin D status and early or advanced AMD. However, when further analysis was done it was found that in the (968) women who were younger than 75 years old higher levels of serum vitamin D was associated with a significantly decreased risk of early AMD, in women 75 years and older (319), higher levels were associated with only a borderline statistically significant increased risk (1).

It is likely that many people in the UK have low blood levels of vitamin D.

It was also found (1) that among women younger than 75 years, intake of vitamin D from foods and supplements was related to decreased risk of early AMD but no relationship was observed with self-reported time spent in direct sunlight. Women who consumed the most vitamin D (from food and supplements) had a 59% decreased risk of developing early AMD compared with women who consumed the least vitamin D. The top food sources of vitamin D in the sample were milk, fish, fortified margarine and fortified cereal. The authors conclude that (2)”This is the second study to present an association between AMD status and 25(OH)D, and our data support the previous observation that vitamin D status may potentially protect against development of AMD,” “More studies are needed to verify this association prospectively as well as to better understand the potential interaction between vitamin D status and genetic and lifestyle factors with respect to risk of early AMD.”

As stated this is just an association study and more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn as to whether vitamin D can protect against the development of AMD. As you can see from all my previous posts on vitamin D there is no set recommendation for daily supplement use and it is likely that many people in the UK have low blood levels of this important vitamin. If you decide to take vitamin D supplements it is always best to check with your medical doctor first, especially if you are considering high doses (over 2000iu daily).

(1) Millen AE et al. 2011. Vitamin D Status and Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Postmenopausal Women. Archives of Ophthalmology. 129 (4): 481-489
(2) Press release. JAMA and Archives Journals (2011, April 11). High levels of vitamin D appear to lower risk of age-related macular degeneration in young women. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2011/04/110411163817.htm

(3) Image courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom

Written by Ani Richardson

Tips for hay fever season

AniKowal — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:00:44 +0000

Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is thought to affect around 25% of the UK population. Symptoms of hay can include sneezing, watering and itchy eyes, a runny nose, headaches and skin rashes. These symptoms occur when membranes lining the nose and eyes become aggravated and inflamed by airborne pollen. The pollen triggers a type of immune cell, called a mast cell, to release the chemical histamine in those membranes. The histamine then stimulates an inflammatory reaction in the body which produces the characteristic symptoms. Conventional treatment for hay fever is based on antihistamine pills, anti-inflammatory medication such as steroid nasal sprays, and decongestants such as ephedrine. There are also a number of natural strategies that can offer very real relief from the symptoms of hay fever. I have previously written a lot about these strategies here.

In a two part (part I & part II) blog on hay fever I mention how Nettle, Bromelain, Butterbur, Vitamin C and the long chain omega 3 fatty acids may be useful to hay fever sufferers. I have also written about how probiotics (good bacteria) may also be useful during hay fever season.

Vitamin D has been heavily researched over the last 3 years and it is thought that many people in the UK do not get enough of this vital nutrient

Recently (1,2) it has been suggested that vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of hay fever/allergic rhinitis and/or the easing of symptoms. As readers of the blog will know vitamin D has been heavily researched over the last 3 years and it is thought that many people here in the UK (and all over the world) do not get enough of this vital nutrient. Vitamin D plays a role in the immune system and it seems as though having good vitamin D status can help to reduce inflammation in the body which would be helpful to hay fever sufferers where inflammation is implicated. There is laboratory evidence which supports links between vitamin D deficiency and allergic diseases. Evidence is emerging that vitamin D may potentially be used to help augment the immune response that occurs in certain conditions such as hay fever. However, more evidence is needed before any conclusions can be drawn or advice given on vitamin D supplementation specifically for hay fever. It is possible to have a blood test from your doctor to evaluate your vitamin D status. It is always advisable to check with a medical doctor prior to undertaking any new supplement regimen, especially if you intend to use a vitamin D supplement containing more that 2000iu daily dose.

As mentioned at the start of this post there is evidence to suggest that probiotics may be useful in the treatment and management of hay fever. Recently (3,4,5,6) further research has been published which shows that specific probiotics may become valuable tools in the prevention and management of a whole host allergic diseases including hay fever. It is also interesting to note that antibiotic use in children in their first 2 years of life has been associated with anincreased risk of hay fever. As well as destroying the bacteria that cause illness in the body antibiotics also kill the healthy bacteria that live in the digestive system. Friendly probiotic bacteria have been shown to positively impact the immune system, which is responsible for allergic and inflammatory responses in the body, so a prebiotic and probiotic supplement may be useful to anyone who has been recently exposed to antibiotics or as an immune boosting aid. The problem is that there are so many probiotics on the market and they vary in their quality, further research is needed to clarify which strains of bacteria are of most use.

In order to get the best advice on which probiotic supplements to use and help in dealing with hay fever you may wish to get in touch with a registered nutritionist or nutritional therapist. You can search for registered professionals in your area via the following links:

Registered Nutritionists

Registered Nutritional Therapists

(1)Akbar NA & Zacharek MA. 2011. Vitamin D: immunomodulation of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Apr 15. [Epub ahead of print]

(2) Searing DA & Leung DY. 2010. Vitamin D in atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic diseases. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 30(3):397-409.

(3)Kalliomäki M et al. 2010. Guidance for substantiating the evidence for beneficial effects of probiotics: prevention and management of allergic diseases by probiotics. J Nutr. 140(3):713S-21S

(4)Nagata Y et al. 2010. Improvements in seasonal allergic disease with Lactobacillus plantarum No. 14. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 74(9):1869-77.

(5)Koyama T et al. 2010. Development and pilot evaluation of a novel probiotic mixture for the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Can J Microbiol. 56(9):730-8.

(6)Wassenberg J et al 2011. Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei ST11 on a nasal provocation test with grass pollen in allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy. 41(4):565-73.

Written by Ani Richardson

Low levels of vitamin D linked to allergies in children

AniKowal — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:00:21 +0000

Previous research has shown a possible link between low vitamin D levels and allergy and now a new study (1) involving over 3,000 children has found that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased likelihood that children will develop allergies.

The researchers (1) looked at the blood serum vitamin D levels of over 3,000 children and 3,400 adults who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States. Blood tests were also used to assess the sensitivity to 17 different allergens – allergic response was tested by measuring levels of a specific protein, called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is made when the immune system responds to allergens. A vitamin D level of less than 15ng/mL was classed as vitamin D deficient and a level of 15-29 ng/mL was insufficient. Data was adjusted for known potential confounders such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, obesity, low socioeconomic status, frequency of milk intake, daily hours spent watching television, playing videogames, or using a computer and vitamin D supplement use.

Results (1) showed that there was no association observed between vitamin D levels and allergies in adults. However in children and adolescents, low vitamin D levels correlated with sensitivity to 11 of the 17 allergens tested, including both environmental allergens such as ragweed, oak, dog, cockroach and food allergens such as peanuts. Children who had vitamin D deficiency were 2.4 times as likely to have a peanut allergy than were children with sufficient levels of vitamin D (more than 30 ng of vitamin D per mL of blood) (2).

The authors conclude that (1) “Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher levels of IgE sensitization in children and adolescents. Further research is needed to confirm these findings”. More research is needed since the current study only shows that there is an association between low vitamin D levels and allergy in children, it does not prove that low vitamin D levels cause allergy.

There has been much research into vitamin D and health recently so ensuring good blood levels is probably a good idea. A test can be done by your medical doctor to see what levels you and/or your children have and it is always best to check with your medical doctor prior to starting any supplement regimen. The main author of the study notes that “”The latest dietary recommendations calling for children to take in 600 IU of vitamin D daily should keep them from becoming vitamin-D deficient,” (2)

(1) Sharief S et al. 2011. Vitamin D levels and food and environmental allergies in the United States: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2011; DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.01.017

(2) Press release. Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2011, February 24). Low vitamin D levels linked to allergies in kids. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/02/110224103244.htm

Written by Ani Richardson

Research reveals that high vitamin D intakes are probably needed to reduce cancer risk

AniKowal — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:00:31 +0000

Vitamin D has previously been linked to cancer risk. Studies have indicated that intakes of vitamin D in the range of 1,100 to 4,000 IU daily (and blood serum vitamin D concentrations from 60-80 ng/ml) may be needed to reduce cancer, and other disease, risk. Now a new study (1) has reported that higher intakes of vitamin D are needed to reach blood levels that can prevent or markedly cut the incidence of breast cancer and several other major diseases than had been originally thought.

Lead author of the study, professor Cedric Garland, said in a press release (2) “We found that daily intakes of vitamin D by adults in the range of 4000-8000 IU are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites in the range needed to reduce by about half the risk of several diseases – breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes,” “I was surprised to find that the intakes required to maintain vitamin D status for disease prevention were so high – much higher than the minimal intake of vitamin D of 400 IU/day that was needed to defeat rickets in the 20th century.”

These supplemental levels of vitamin D are higher than past, traditional intakes. However these levels are largely thought to be within a range which was deemed safe for daily use in a December 2010 report from the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine USA (2).

Another author of the study, Robert Heany, a distinguished biomedical scientist who has studied vitamin D, for several decades said (2) “This result was what our dose-response studies predicted, but it took a study such as this, of people leading their everyday lives, to confirm it.”

The study (1) was a community based study which reported on over 3,500 individuals who were taking vitamin D supplements in the dosage range of 1000-10,000 IU per day. Blood samples were taken in order to determine the level of vitamin D in the body (25-vitamin D was measured, this is the form of vitamin D in which almost all vitamin D circulates in the blood). Supplements of 10,000 IU daily or less were not found to produce blood vitamin D levels above the lower-bound of the zone of potential toxicity of 200 ng/ml. In this particular study the supplemental dose to ensure that 97.5% of this population achieved a blood serum vitamin D level of at least 40ng/ml was 9,600 IU daily. The authors conclude that “Universal intake of up to 40,000 IU vitamin D per day is unlikely to result in vitamin D toxicity”.

Before I continue I would like to stress that it is important to see a medical doctor prior to starting vitamin D supplements, especially a supplement that provides more than 1000-2000 IU daily.

Cedric Garland said (2) “Most scientists who are actively working with vitamin D now believe that 40 to 60 ng/ml is the appropriate target concentration of 25-vitamin D in the blood for preventing the major vitamin D-deficiency related diseases, and have joined in a letter on this topic,” Unfortunately most people in the UK do not reach these blood levels. “Unfortunately, according a recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only 10 percent of the US population has levels in this range, mainly people who work outdoors.”

Last year a National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine committee, USA, identified supplements of vitamin D up to 4000 IU daily as being safe for everyday use by adults and children nine years and older, with intakes in the range of 1000-3000 IU/day for infants and children through age eight years old. Cedric Garland commented that (2) “Now that the results of this study are in, it will become common for almost every adult to take 4000 IU/day,” “This is comfortably under the 10,000 IU/day that the IOM Committee Report considers as the lower limit of risk, and the benefits are substantial.” Robert Heaney added (2) “Now is the time for virtually everyone to take more vitamin D to help prevent some major types of cancer, several other serious illnesses, and fractures,”

Please read my previous posts on Vitamin D for more information If you are considering a vitamin D supplement it may be wise to visit your medical doctor first, they can do a simple blood test to check your vitamin D levels and from there they can decide which dose of vitamin D might be helpful.

(1)Garland CF et al. 2011. Vitamin D Supplement Doses and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in the Range Associated with Cancer Prevention. Anticancer Research. 31: 607-612

(2)Press Release. University of California – San Diego (2011, February 22). Markedly higher vitamin D intake needed to reduce cancer risk, researchers say. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 23, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/02/110222140546.htm

Written by Ani Kowal

The risk of falling in old age may be lower with exercise and vitamin D

AniKowal — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:00:50 +0000

Research (1) published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has found that individuals aged 65 or over who take vitamin D supplements and who regularly exercise have a significantly lower risk of falling compared to other older individuals. In the research paper the authors write that their review of evidence “shows that exercise and Vitamin D supplementation are the most effective primary care interventions to prevent falls. This is important news because falls are extremely common in this population and they are the leading cause of death and injury for the elderly. We need to help primary care clinicians find better ways to prevent falls, and this review will help to do that.”

The authors of the study note that falls among older adults are very prevalent but also preventable, they wanted to investigate the interventions that might be used by health practitioners to prevent falls in older adults. The researchers evaluated published trials, they found that exercise or physical therapy interventions reduced the risk of falling. They also found that vitamin D supplementation also seemed to reduce the risk of falling in individuals aged 65 and over.

The exercise trials that were evaluated used a variety of exercise techniques from Tai Chi to individualised exercise lessons. Most of the exercises focused on better gait, balance, strength and flexibility required for everyday activities.

In the evaluation of trials which used vitamin D dosages ranged from 10-1000 IU per day. The length of time that the supplements were taken ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years. The trials, taken together, showed a 17% lower risk of falling down compared to other seniors who did not receive vitamin D. Although vitamin D supplementation seems useful in fall prevention further investigation would be necessary to elucidate a recommended dose. The authors of the study note (1) that “Most trials of vitamin D were not adequately designed to assess long-term adverse effects”, this is important to investigate since too much vitamin D can be harmful to the body. It is always best to check with a medical doctor prior to starting any supplement regimen.

Another recent study (2) in women also highlights the need for further trials with vitamin D. The research found that low and high vitamin D levels in older women were associated with an increased likelihood of frailty. In the study the authors note that vitamin D deficiency and frailty are common with aging and that dimensions of frailty, including weakness and slowness are potential outcomes of vitamin D deficiency. The researchers suggest that although vitamin D supplementation has grown in popularity in recent years it is important that further trials are conducted since the association between vitamin D status and risk of adverse health outcomes in older adults is uncertain (2).

For more information on vitamin D, including information on controversy surrounding dosage requirements, please read my previous blog posts: vitamin D

(1)Michael YL et al. 2010. Primary Care–Relevant Interventions to Prevent Falling in Older Adults: A Systematic Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal Medicine. 153: 815-825

(2)Ensrud KE et al. 2010. Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Frailty Status in Older Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 95(12):5266-5273.

Written By Ani Kowal