http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/vitamin_d/ Read the latest research on the importance of vitamin D for health, symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, suggested dosages and more. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/vitamin_d/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145652.htm Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules produced in the skin to fend off infection-causing microbes. Vitamin D has been credited with a role in their production and in the body’s overall immune response, but scientists say a hormone previously associated only with maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone health is also critical, boosting AMP expression when dietary vitamin D levels are inadequate. Wed, 23 May 2012 14:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133136.htm Children are more likely to have more body fat during childhood if their mother has low levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy, according to scientists. Low vitamin D status has been linked to obesity in adults and children, but little is known about how variation in a mother’s status affects the body composition of her child. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515202122.htm The American Academy of Dermatology today reiterated the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens to protect against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As one component of a daily sun-protection strategy, sunscreen is an important tool in the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Tue, 15 May 2012 20:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515202122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501145028.htm To resolve controversy over how much vitamin D is enough to protect older adults' health, researchers tested Cardiovascular Health Study blood samples. They sought links between each person's 25 (OH) D and first heart attack, cancer diagnosis, hip fracture or death. Risks rose when levels fell below 20ng/mL or 50 nmol/L. Results match the low threshold level set by the Institute of Medicine. Association with risk varied seasonally. Levels were lower, and disease event risk higher, in winter. Tue, 01 May 2012 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501145028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105402.htm Vitamin D may be known as the sunshine vitamin, but a new research report shows that it is more than that. According to the report, insufficient levels of vitamin D are related to a deficiency in our innate immune defenses that protect us from infections, neoplasias or autoimmune diseases. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430105402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094310.htm A new study shows that vitamin D supplementation in winter can help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425094310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132015.htm Scientists believe that two forms of vitamin E – gamma and delta-tocopherols – found in soybean, canola and corn oils as well as nuts do prevent colon, lung, breast and prostate cancers while the alpha tocopherols found in vitamin E supplements provide no such protection. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423132015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418111810.htm Taking large doses of vitamin C may moderately reduce blood pressure, according to an analysis of years of research. But the researchers stopped short of suggesting people load up on supplements. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418111810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120331151134.htm Higher oral doses of plain vitamin D raised levels of calcitriol in prostate tissue. Higher prostate levels of calcitriol, a hormone made from vitamin D, corresponded with lower levels of the proliferation marker Ki67 and increased levels of cancer growth-inhibitory microRNAs in prostate cancer cells, according to new data. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120331151134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm Vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of developing stress fractures in preadolescent and adolescent girls, especially among those very active in high-impact activities, according to a new report. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm Treatment with vitamin D reduced the size of uterine fibroids in laboratory rats predisposed to developing the benign tumors, reported researchers. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103920.htm Researchers have discovered specific molecular and signaling events by which vitamin D inhibits inflammation. Low levels of vitamin D failed to inhibit the inflammatory cascade, while levels considered adequate did inhibit inflammatory signaling. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204235.htm As study after study shows the fundamental role vitamin D plays in disease and health, vitamin D deficiency — which often develops insidiously in childhood — should be on every parent’s and pediatrician’s radar, say physicians. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm New research has found that 77 percent of trauma patients had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113310.htm Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203113310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101948.htm At a time of increasing concern about low vitamin D levels in the world's population and increased use of blood tests for the vitamin, scientists are reporting development of a much-needed reference material to assure that measurements of vitamin D levels are accurate. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124092737.htm For the first time, scientists have obtained a high-resolution, full 3-D image of a small but vital molecule locked up within our cells: the vitamin D receptor. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124092737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140716.htm Medical researchers argue that vitamin therapy still has a role to play in reducing stroke. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082249.htm A recent study of obese and non-obese children found that low vitamin D levels are significantly more prevalent in obese children and are associated with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173957.htm Vitamin D levels are significantly lower in patients with recurrent inflammatory spinal cord disease, according to a new study. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141254.htm Low levels of vitamin C were associated with higher levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein and shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death for heart failure patients, in recent research. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103122421.htm Light-skinned people who avoid the sun are twice as likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency as those who do not, according to a study of nearly 6,000 people. Surprisingly, the use of sunscreen did not significantly affect blood levels of vitamin D, perhaps because users were applying too little or too infrequently, researchers speculate. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103122421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081429.htm A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and patients with a deficiency can have difficulty producing new bone, which can, in turn, interfere with healing following spine surgery. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101141345.htm Vitamin D deficiency is common in Americans, and especially in overweight and obese adolescents, according to the National Institutes of Health. Researchers have found that providing obese adolescents with a high daily dose of vitamin D3 is safe and effective in improving their vitamin D status. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101141345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164701.htm Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), but the first randomized, controlled trial using high-dose vitamin D in MS did not find any added benefit over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011163055.htm Men who take a daily vitamin E supplement -- a regimen once thought to reduce cancer risk -- face an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to results of a large national study. The finding comes from a report summarizing the latest results of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011163055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132813.htm Scientists have shown that people with a good vitamin D supply are at lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195255.htm Fair-skinned people who burn quickly in the sun may need to take supplements to ensure they get the right amount of vitamin D, new research finds. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132353.htm More than three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D and the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancer, according to a new study. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144639.htm People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency, according to a study of more than 31,000 children and adults. Their findings suggest that physicians should more diligently monitor vitamin D levels in patients being treated with oral steroids. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125416.htm Anti-caking agents in powdered products may hasten degradation of vitamin C instead of doing what they are supposed to do: protect the nutrient from moisture. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165852.htm Older people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 markers may be more likely to have lower brain volumes and have problems with their thinking skills, according to researchers. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922134540.htm Children with severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) may have poorer lung function and worse symptoms compared to children with moderate asthma, due to lower levels of vitamin D in their blood, according to researchers. Lower levels of vitamin D may cause structural changes in the airway muscles of children with STRA, making breathing more difficult. The study provides important new evidence for possible treatments for the condition. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922134540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920100100.htm African-American men living in areas with low sunlight are up to 3.5 times more likely to have vitamin D deficiency than Caucasian men and should take high levels of Vitamin D supplements, reports a new study. The current general recommendation of 600 international units is way too low for all men in northern regions. Low Vitamin D has been linked to prostate cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920100100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920100058.htm African-American men living in low sunlight areas are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency than European-American men living in the same environment. Researchers believe that these findings should change recommendations for daily intake of vitamin D. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920100058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907104652.htm A new commercial processing technology is suitable for boosting the vitamin D content of mushrooms and has no adverse effects on other nutrients in those tasty delicacies, the first study on the topic has concluded. The technology, which involves exposing mushrooms to the same kind of ultraviolet light that produces suntans, can greatly boost mushrooms' vitamin D content. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907104652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903102532.htm An international study suggests that giving vitamin A supplements to children in low and middle income countries could significantly cut rates of mortality, illnesses and blindness amongst those below the age of five. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903102532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830081532.htm Depending on the age of asthmatic children, on their exposure to molds or dampness in their bedroom, and on the severity of their asthma, vitamin C has greater or smaller beneficial effect against asthma, according to a recent study. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830081532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825193059.htm Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, a new study concludes. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825193059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818101645.htm Researchers in Sweden have discovered a new function for vitamin C. Treatment with vitamin C can dissolve the toxic protein aggregates that build up in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818101645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816083745.htm A new study confirms that a lack of vitamin D increases the aggressiveness of colon cancer. The indication that vitamin D and its derivatives have a protective effect against various types of cancer is not new. Researchers have now confirmed the pivotal role of vitamin D, specifically its receptor (VDR), in slowing down the action of a key protein in the carcinogenic transformation process of colon cancer cells. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816083745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162240.htm As an individual's level of vitamin D increases, the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer seems to increase as well, although factors such as ultraviolet radiation exposure may complicate the relationship, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811162837.htm Pregnant women taking prenatal supplements may not be getting enough vitamin D, shows a new Vancouver-based study. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811162837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811094844.htm A study links low vitamin D in young girls with early menstruation, which is a risk factor for a host of health problems for teen girls as well as women later in life. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811094844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110715135353.htm Nerve cells in the eye require vitamin C in order to function properly -- a surprising discovery that may mean vitamin C is required elsewhere in the brain for its proper functioning, according to a new study. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110715135353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164522.htm Osteoporosis and low bone density are common in people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711081419.htm New research reports a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among patients with psoriatic arthritis. Seasonal variation in vitamin D levels was not observed in patients in southern or northern locations. The findings also show no association between disease activity and vitamin D level. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711081419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110710132807.htm Vitamin D deficiency has been known to cause an assortment of health problems. Now, a new study suggests that lack of the vitamin might also increase the chance of muscle injuries in athletes, specifically NFL football players. Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110710132807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110709113610.htm Advancing age is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and is associated with build- up of the peptide amyloid beta in the brain. New research shows that removal of amyloid beta from the brain depends on vitamin D and also on an age-related alteration in the production of transporter proteins which move amyloid beta in and out of the brain. Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110709113610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211008.htm Giving vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) to predominantly elderly women, mainly in institutional care, seems to increase survival. These women are likely to be vitamin D deficient with a significant risk of falls and fractures, according to a systematic review. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110629132421.htm Researchers have developed a new highly-accurate blood test which can detect how much a patient’s diet could be responsible for a lack of the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’. Vitamin D deficiencies can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancer and osteoporosis. For the first time, the different forms of vitamin D the body absorbs from diet and sunlight, known as vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 respectively, can be individually distinguished from closely related compounds. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110629132421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095504.htm Use of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy has long been a matter of concern, but now researchers report that even a high supplementation amount in healthy pregnant women was safe and effective in raising circulating vitamin D to a level thought by some to be optimal. The study also found no adverse effects of vitamin D supplementation, even at the highest amount, in women or their newborns. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622224502.htm Vitamin A deficiency does not increase the risk of asthma, according to new research. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622224502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622224451.htm Researchers have developed a new test to detect the levels of vitamin B12 using your breath, allowing for a cheaper, faster, and simpler diagnosis that could help to avoid the potentially fatal symptoms of B12 deficiency. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622224451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617185105.htm Laboratory-grown gingival cells treated with vitamin D boosted their production of an endogenous antibiotic, and killed more bacteria than untreated cells, according to a new study. The research suggests that vitamin D can help protect the gums from bacterial infections that lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis affects up to 50 percent of the US population, is a major cause of tooth loss, and can also contribute to heart disease. Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617185105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606121935.htm The Endocrine Society has released "Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline." The clinical practice guideline (CPG) is published in the July 2011 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), a publication of The Endocrine Society. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606121935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606112807.htm To fully optimize a drug therapy for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density, patients should maintain vitamin D levels above the limits recently recommended by the Institute of Medicine, according to a new study. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606112807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525164108.htm Overweight or obese women with less-than-optimal levels of vitamin D who lose more than 15 percent of their body weight experience significant increases in circulating levels of this fat-soluble nutrient, according to a new study. Wed, 25 May 2011 16:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525164108.htm