Vitamin D is known for promoting bone integrity and preserving muscle mass, says Cleveland Clinic geriatrician Theodore Suh, M.D., Ph.D. Now, studies are pointing to new potential benefits, including prevention of certain types of cancer and treatment of emphysema and tuberculosis. We asked Dr. Suh to tell us more about this essential vitamin:
Health Extra: How do people get vitamin D?
Dr. Suh: Vitamin D is synthesized naturally from sunlight by the skin, but we also get it by eating vitamin D-rich foods, such as ocean fish.
Health Extra: Why are certain people prone to vitamin D deficiencies?
Dr. Suh: Many things contribute to chronic vitamin D deficiency. Older people – for a variety or reasons – may be unable to go outside, so their body may not be making it from exposure to sunlight. Also, many older adults become lactose intolerant, which makes it difficult for them to get vitamin D from dairy products. Ethnic differences also can account for deficiencies; groups with more skin pigmentation produce less vitamin D.
Health Extra: What are the signs or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
Dr. Suh: Bone loss, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, which results in a fracture is one sign. Loss of muscle mass, as well as gait and mobility disorders can also indicate deficiency. Research indicates we may need to look at lung function and cancers, too.
Health Extra: How is vitamin D deficiency diagnosed?
Dr. Suh: With a simple blood test. If the level is low, the standard treatment is to give a megadose of vitamin D for a few weeks, then put the person on a daily supplement.
Health Extra: How should people attempt to boost their vitamin D levels?
Dr. Suh: First of all, get a blood test to find out if there’s a problem. If there is reason for concern, try to get vitamin D through food intake and an oral supplement, which should be taken with meals because that improves absorption.
Health Extra: There’s controversy about using sunshine to produce vitamin D because of the potential skin cancer risk. What are your thoughts on that?
Dr. Suh: One or two studies have suggested that 10 to 15 minutes in the sun can make a significant difference in vitamin D levels and give measurable benefits. So sunshine – along with dietary sources – can be part of the picture. That said, you must balance exposure to sunshine with the fact that there can be significant negative effects that come with chronic sun exposure for longer periods of time.
Health Extra: If people want to purchase supplements, how much can they expect to pay and what dosage should they look for?
Dr. Suh: In general, vitamin supplements are not expensive, especially when you compare them to prescription medications. This is a supplement with a lot of upside and very little downside. People should aim for 800 IUs [International Units] of vitamin D a day, from all sources combined. If a person is deficient in vitamin D, higher doses (50,000 IUs one to three times weekly) are initially needed.
WEB EXTRA! "D" is Dandy – Get the vitamin D you need from sunlight and a variety of other sources. Listen to or download this podcast at clevelandclinic.org/healthedge/media/news/HE_Podcast-VitaminD.mp3.
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Osteoporosis
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/1/2007
