Feb. 26--Vitamin D, like many nutrients, is essential to the human body, and recent studies have shown vitamin D may be more crucial than previously thought.
Studies have shown that adequate amounts of vitamin D, sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin, helps people live longer, become less susceptible to chronic illness and lowers the risk of cancer.
"Vitamin D is made in the skin and becomes active in the liver and kidneys," said Dr. Ashley Cavalier, a dermatologist on St. Simons Island. "It plays a role in skin protection and boosts the immune system."
The compound has an anti-inflammatory effect, too, which may plays a role in preventing heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Adequate vitamin D levels also strengthen bones, muscles and joints, which contribute to chronic illnesses.
Vitamin D has been linked with lower rates of colon, prostate, breast, esophageal and pancreatic cancer.
Cavalier noted that sun exposure is a double-edged sword. While UV-B rays can improve health, excessive exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays without protection increases the risk of skin cancer.
Cavalier said people should not use the benefits of Vitamin D as an excuse to bake in the hazardous UV-rays of the sun.
"The amount required is only 10 to 15 minutes on your face, hand, arms twice a week," Cavalier said. "Using sun screen daily can still allow adequate amounts of UV-B rays."
Those suffering from vitamin D deficiency, typically live in northern states, which receive less sun in the winter months.
Supplements can be given to people with a lack of vitamin D and the nutrient is also found in dairy products, fish, oysters and fortified cereals.
Optimum levels for personal vitamin D intake varies by age and gender, among others.
-----
To see more of The Brunswick News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/.
Copyright (c) 2008, The Brunswick News, Ga.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.