How Does Vitamin D Affect My Health?

Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risks of malignancies including: prostate, endometrial, skin, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, hypertension, type 1 diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are also necessary for the maintenance of healthy bone.  Deficiency of vitamin D leads to decreased calcium levels in the bone, which may lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Risk factors that can contribute to vitamin D deficiency include: inadequate sun exposure, insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, having a dark complexion, and increased age.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide in adults and children. Vitamin D can be consumed as a nutrient through food or supplements, and is synthesized through the skin from sunlight exposure.  Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna.  There are also many foods that are fortified with vitamin D.  However, the majority of an individual’s circulating vitamin D is synthesized in the skin from UV light exposure.

Vitamin D deficiency in severe cases can result in rickets (skeletal abnormalities) and osteomalacia (bone pain and tenderness).  Deficiency may also increase the risk of chronic diseases including certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and upper respiratory tract infections.

Your vitamin D level can be determined by a blood test.  Based on the results your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplementation, either over-the counter or prescription strength.  Individuals who may be vulnerable to develop vitamin D insufficiency include the elderly, people with increased skin pigmentation, and individuals who use certain medications or have inadequate sun exposure.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer vitamin D testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

May is national osteoporosis prevention month; osteoporosis, which affects over 10 million Americans, is a disease that weakens the bones.  This can lead to bone fractures from minor falls.  It is estimated that half of all women over age 50 and one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  The fractures are more common in the hips, spine and wrists.  This disease may also affect your height and posture.

Risk factors for osteoporosis development include: being over the age of 50, female gender, post-menopausal status, positive family history, low body weight/small body frame, tobacco use, inactive life-style, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and low dietary consumption of calcium and vitamin D.

Your physician may order a DXA scan test to screen for osteoporosis and determine your bone density.  This is a type of X-Ray that measures bone mass in your spine and hip.  To prevent osteoporosis, it is recommended to consume 1200-1500mg of calcium with 800mg of vitamin D daily.  Your physician may also recommend vitamin K and magnesium supplementation.   Daily weight bearing exercise also helps strengthen bone mass.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.