Vitamin D

Panelists

Lisa Harris, MD

David A. Bushinsky, MD

Jacqueline (Jackie) Dipzinski, Ed.M

Eric Madrid, MD

Reinhold Vieth, PhD, F.C.A.C.B.

Topics:

Drugs and Medication

Transcript:

Vitamin D (transcript)

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the body’s absorption of calcium, contributing to bone health. Vitamin D research suggests that Vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis, hypertension, some forms of cancer, and particular autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D deficiency is increasing, and is thought to contribute to health problems such as osteomalacia.

The sun can be a major source of Vitamin D, as your body makes it during sun exposure. As little as 10 minutes of sun exposure a day can prevent Vitamin D deficiency. Some foods are also fortified with Vitamin D (milk), and other foods are a good source of natural Vitamin D (fish, eggs). Vitamin D supplements are also readily available.

Key Point 1

Vitamin D regulates cells, systems and organs in our body. Your body makes Vitamin D when exposed to sun, and you can also get it from some foods, and through supplements. Changes in our lifestyle and behavior have caused many people to become Vitamin D deficient.

Key Point 2

We are continuing to learn more about the impact of Vitamin D in health and disease prevention. Working with your doctor based on your individual health concerns related to Vitamin D levels is the key.

Webisode

Full Episode

Search MedlinePlus

Conduct an off-site search for Vitamin D from MedlinePlus. These up-to-date search results are based on search terms specific to Second Opinion Key Points.

Vitamin D main page – all aspects. Includes overviews, diagnosis, treatment, coping, alternative therapy, related issues, etc.
Calcium - main page – all aspects. Includes overviews, diagnosis, treatment, coping, alternative therapy, related issues, etc.
PTH
Osteoporosis - main page – all aspects. Includes overviews, diagnosis, treatment, coping, alternative therapy, related issues, etc.
Hip Injuries and Disorders - main page – all aspects. Includes overviews, diagnosis, treatment, coping, alternative therapy, related issues, etc.
Rickets - main page – all aspects. Includes overviews, diagnosis, treatment, coping, alternative therapy, related issues, etc.
Bone Density Test

Resources

There are a very large number of organizations dedicated to helping people with Vitamin D problems and their families and friends. This is only a partial list.

Mayo Clinic	Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of virtually every type of complex illness.
The Mount Sinai Medical Center	Mount Sinai School of Medicine is internationally recognized as a leader in groundbreaking clinical and basic science research and is known for its innovative approach to medical education.
Office of Dietary Supplements	(ODS) - The mission of ODS is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

Episode number:

701

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