Vitamin D deficiency is related to depression and over weight

According to several new studies, Vitamin D deficiencies—especially in African-Americans and people with darker skin tones—could raise the risk for developing conditions that include depression, weight gain, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, bone fracture, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. 

 As many as 36 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That number could be more than double for African-Americans. Vitamin D deficiency is called a “hidden epidemic” for darker-skinned people who have more melanin in the skin. High levels of melanin reduce the body’s ability to make vitamin D from sunlight exposure. In addition, African-Americans prone to develop lactose intolerance which further compromise Vitamin D absorption from foods. The regular multivitamin tablets only have 200 international units, which is not potent and is not enough. Some experts believe that adults should take between 800 and 1,000 international units Vitamin D3 a day to adequately prevent bone loss and protect against chronic disorders. Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin, so it has to be in the capsule form and in the dark colored bottle to be more potent. In addition to supplements, fatty fish, egg yolks and fortified foods are good dietary sources. It is estimated that 10 minutes of daily sun exposure could provide adequate vitamin D. Over dosing of Vitamin D supplement can cause toxicity as Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin, it can stock up in fatty cells and livers. Vitamin D is not regularly checked in the doctors’ office unless you request it. Vitamin D deficiency exists when the concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) in the blood serum occurs at 12 ng/ml (nanograms/milliliter), or less. The normal concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in the blood serum is 25-50 ng/ml. It is suggested that all adults who are vitamin D deficient be treated with 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 once a week for eight weeks to achieve a blood level of 25(OH) D above 30 ng/ml, followed by maintenance therapy of 1,500-2,000 IU/day.