To supplement or not to supplement, that is the question

Today an article appeared on Huffpost which mentioned research from the Canadian Medical Association Journal.  Researchers strangely found a link between *low* blood levels of Vitamin D and a longer lifespan.  This is the first claim I have seen of this sort.  

 It should be noted however that the research concentrated on families who exhibited a genetic disposition to longer life (siblings of at least 89-91 years old), noting that their blood levels of Vitamin D were naturally low.   The genetic link is probably a significant factor, and doesn’t necessarily mean that we should all aim to have low levels of Vitamin D.

In fact previous research papers by scientists worldwide (many can be found on the NCBI Pubmed database) have cited adequate vitamin D levels as being essential for warding off metabolic diseases such as Diabetes, some deadly cancers, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.  We are told that Vitamin D deficiency has reached ‘epidemic proportions’  in the USA.   

Confusing isn’t it?!!

The answer is probably to take a balanced view, and take sensible measures to top up our Vitamin D levels.  There is some vitamin D is foods such as egg yolk, some fatty fish, and a very small amount in meat.   However the vitamin is mainly made naturally in the body by the action  of sunlight on the skin. 

Experts recommend about 5-10 minutes exposure to sunlight about 2 to 3 times per week.

During this time of year – Autumn & Winter – sunlight is in short supply and we are unlikely to reach the recommended level of sunlight to create adequate Vitamin D levels.   So, it may be time to consider taking supplements.  Vitamin D has been found to be particularly important for assisting the absorption of calcium to enhance bone health.    

Women may be at risk of losing bone strength after the menopause, resulting in higher incidence of fractures.   As someone who was recently out of action for a year after a horrendously painful hip fracture,  this is uppermost on my mind and I now take Vitamin D supplements occasionally when not able to get out into the sunshine. 

If you know that you have osteoporosis or issues with bone strength, you may want to investigate whether supplements are right for you. 

 I recently heard of Strontium, which is a stronger form of calcium and is thought to enhance bone health.  You can read further details about Strontium supplements here:   http://bit.ly/StrontiumBoneHealth