VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

In the last 30 years we have discovered many medical conditions that are linked with vitamin D deficiency, and we are starting to realize that up to 70% of Americans are deficient in this crucial vitamin.  We have known for years that low vitamin D can be hazardous to your bones and lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones often in the elderly) but we now realize that this vitamin is a key vitamin in regulating many processes in the body.  Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to increased cardiovascular risk and mortality (heart attack and stroke) as well as links to dementia, breast cancer, schizophrenia, insomnia, depression, and even erectile dysfunction.  All cause mortality (risk of dying from anything) is higher in vitamin D deficient people.  You can increase your vitamin D input by eating foods that are rich in vitamin D such as mushrooms, vitamin-D enriched milk, fish and sun exposure, but some people need supplements to get and keep their levels up.  An ideal blood level is around 40-60, and going above that may not be good for you.