10/6/15- I know many of you are aware that Vitamin D3 supplementation results in a decrease in the frequency and duration of colds and flu. Multiple studies have been done demonstrating that vitamin D3 supplementation can lower our risk during the winter months. It is likely our use of SPF and avoidance of sun exposure that is responsible for our decreased levels. Vitamin D3 is made in the skin as we are exposed to UV rays. Given the public awareness regarding sun exposure and skin cancer rates, we may have gone overboard as a society as we prevent any sun exposure from occurring.
I recommend that all patients have their physician draw a vitamin D3 level in order to see if they have sufficient levels, insufficient levels or deficient levels. Many of us fall into the insufficient category which means it is below normal but still present. Deficient levels mean there is very little of the vitamin D3 we require. By getting a baseline level drawn your physician can have the amount and frequency of vitamin D3 supplementation tailored to you. Your physician can also have the levels drawn 6 weeks later to see where you stand.
I am very much in support of supplementing with Vitamin D3 in those who require it as the vitamin’s role in a healthy immune system are well documented. It not only influences our immune system to fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections, but cancer cells as well.
Vitamin D3 has also recently been found to increase muscle mass in post menopausal women. This is significant as it can result in less frailty and falls. One of the ravages of time is sarcopenia or loss of muscle mass. The decreased muscle mass makes it more likely we become weak and frail and have more falls and more fractures during those falls. Although not specifically mentioned in the study, I am sure vitamin D3 supplementation has an effect on sarcopenia in males as well. I feel strongly about healthy aging in the senior population and am thrilled there may be something inexpensive to take to avoid falls.
I tend to measure and follow the Vitamin D levels in my patients and I supplement based on those values. Please note that Vitamin D (like vitamins A, E and K) is a fat-soluble vitamin meaning it can become toxic if overused. That is why I advocate checking levels beforehand. Vitamin toxicity can occur in both water and fat-soluble vitamins so I always caution my patients that there can indeed be too much of a good thing. There is nothing wrong with supplementing as long as it is carefully monitored. I will have an upcoming segment where I list some of the most potent alternative medicine remedies for colds and flu. Vitamin D3 supplementation is one of the first things I list as it can be used to prevent cold and flu outbreaks.
