Vitamin D Deficiency Is Causing Havoc and Most Don’t Know It

By Gynecology Specialists Staff

Vitamin D is widely known for its role in absorbing and using calcium. However, it is also gaining acceptance as a vitamin that:

• Holds back the development of cancer by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells.
• Helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
• Helps keep blood pressure under control.

The average diet contains less than 5% of the Vitamin D the body needs. Fatty fish and fortified dairy products only provide between 100 and 400 IU of Vitamin D per serving. The body should make the remaining Vitamin D needed as a result of sun exposure.

Who’s at risk for Vitamin D deficiency?

• People with dark skin.
• People who get little sun exposure.
• People who use sunscreen.
• People who live in areas with little sun and colder climates.
• People on certain medications and supplements that decrease the amount of Vitamin D in the body.
• Being older than 65 or younger than 25.
• Obesity.
• Hepatic or renal disease.
• Gastric bypass surgery.

Recent studies show — and our GYN doctors agree — that between 27% and 47% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D.

Muscle weakness and aches

It has been known for years that a Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness and aches. These people might have bone pain and muscle weakness that prevents them from rising from a chair. Up to 93% of adults with musculoskeletal pain that is persistent but not specific are deficient in Vitamin D. A Vitamin D deficiency that is causing musculoskeletal pain is often mistaken as fibromyalgia. These symptoms can resolve with treatment of the Vitamin D deficiency.

A top 3 vitamin

At our GYN Medical Office, Vitamin D is in the Top 3 of important vitamins a woman must maintain at the optimal level year round. You can replenish and maintain Vitamin D the following ways:

• Vitamin D can be gained orally and is found in foods like Vitamin D fortified milk, orange juice and other dairy products. Wild caught salmon, not farm raised, is an excellent source of vitamin D.
• There are two forms of Vitamin D for oral use — Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is given by prescription and usually taken once a week. Vitamin D3 is available over the counter with the normal recommendation being 1,000 IU/day. Up to 5,000 IU/day can be taken in the case of Vitamin D deficiency.

A recent study showed that people who took 2,000 IU/day of Vitamin D3 during flu season had a 91% decrease in respiratory infections.

If you are suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency, please contact our GYN Medical Office at (757) 312-8221. Our GYN doctors are here to help you.