Greetings! Well, we all survived the frigid and brutal Minnesota winter and that is a good excuse to talk about the importance of vitamin D.
Preliminary studies have suggested that vitamin D may have a role in prevention of heart disease and even certain cancers. That is in addition to its known benefits for maintaining healthy bone mass (and thereby preventing osteoporosis) as we age. It allows us to absorb the calcium that we eat.
I will agree with most other physicians and scientists that the best way to get your vitamin D levels up is by exposing your skin directly to sunlight. Unfortunately, in the Midwest we get very little exposure to the sun during the winter and if we are being smart we keep our skin covered up during those times. Interestingly, scientists have noted that in tropical regions of the world where the local people wear less clothing and have much more sun exposure, multiple sclerosis (MS) is almost unheard of. I remember being told during my residency training back in Michigan, that the upper Midwest is referred to as the ‘MS belt’ by physicians because the incidence of MS is so high compared to other parts of the country.
The use of vitamin D supplements in prevention and treatment of MS (if deficient) is a classic example of how American healthcare decisions are guided mainly by interests of the pharmaceutical companies.
Why don’t we use vitamin D more often since it is an inexpensive and highly effective treatment? Read briefly the 2 links below. Then compare the average costs of the ‘cutting edge’ immune system modifying MS drugs (which are all patentable) and vitamin D (which can NOT be patented).
My question is: Why didn’t this research make it to the general public since it was very big news with huge medical decision making implications? I’ll give you a hint – no patent…. no profit to be made ….. no incentive to get the word out.
Here is something else to think about:
- Taking 5,000 units of Vitamin D daily costs about $2 to $3 per month.
- Multiple sclerosis specialty drugs cost about $1,800 to $3,500 per month.
Research Links:
http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/february2014/02032014ms.htm
The benefits of taking a vitamin D supplement are enormous. Talk to us or your family doctor about testing your vitamin D level and taking a vitamin D supplement.
– Dr. Rich Sinda Request a consultation