Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, most cancers, and autoimmune disorders.  It is estimated to be the largest epidemic of vitamin deficiency ever in the United States.

Are you suffering from the winter blues yet?  By the middle of winter many people are hitting a low in energy and vitality.  A vitamin D deficiency may be the culprit.

Have you ever gone on that winter vacation to somewhere warm, you get a tan and you feel good?  That’s because your body, when exposed to sun; produces vitamin D.  The problem is that most Americans in the northern hemisphere do not get enough exposure to the sun.  And when we do, we usually use too much sun screen.  In fact, the average resident of Florida is also vitamin D deficient.

When it comes to pain, vitamin D has been shown to reduce various types of chronic pain. Numerous studies confirm that it is highly effective for reducing pain and inflammation. Also, it is shown to increase the function of your immune system helping to ward off the flu and various viruses.

The best way to find out if you are deficient is through blood testing.  It’s a simple, inexpensive test that could save your life. In 2009, Dr. Gerard Guillory, MD tested 1200 of his patients and found 90% to be deficient in vitamin D with levels less than 32ng/ml.  Another recent Denver study showed 75 % of the people tested were significantly deficient. Yet, after 8 weeks of proper supplementation the average blood level rose 106% into the normal range.

The Vitamin D Council recommends that adults take 5,000 IU per day for 2–3 months, then obtain a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. Adjust your dosage so that blood levels are between 50–80 ng/mL year-round.

If you have questions on recommended dosages for children and yourself, ask your chiropractor or visit the Vitamin D Council’s web site.  Your family’s health may be improved by knowing about this vitamin that has been long overlooked.