We have known for a long time that Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone mineral loss. Profound and prolonged Vitamin D deficiency was the cause of Rickets (Discovered a milenia ago). More recently we have been discovering Vitamin D is associated with health in other areas. Across the United States there is at least 25% of us that are vitamin D deficient. In Nursing homes or others that do not get outside much there are as high as 75% of persons with a deficiency. There is a higher rate of Vitamin D deficiency in Colorado then was previously recognized. Some researchers think that this is a result of our carefulness in protecting against skin cancer. Even low levels of sunscreen block our ability to make vitamin D. We are out in the bright sun less often and using more sun screen. We therefore produce less vitamin D. It is still improtant to avoid skin cancer, so I do continue to recommend sunscreen.

Vitamin D deficieny is now linked with:
- Increased Pain in patients with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes.
- Increased risk of death from heart disease.
- Double the risk of death from any cause.
- Increased fatigue and perhaps a higher risk of depression
- Thin bones and pathologic bone fractures.
- worse asthma symptoms.
- increased frequency of colds in the winter time.

Foods that are rich in Vitamin D include dark fish, Vitamin D fortified milk, egg yolk and Vitamin D fortiefied cereals.
If you are taking calcium with Vitamin D supplement, you still may not be getting enough vitamin D. The way to know is to get a simple blood test for your vitamin D Level. This tst is called 25-OH-vitamin D level. If you are low, then you need to take 12 weeks of higher dose Vitamin D. You should have your level tested, after the 12 weeks to see if you have corrected, and to decide how much vitamin D you should take regularly.

There are problems with taking too much Vitamin D. However, you would need to take excessive amounts for a very long time to get into problems. As long as you are testing at appropriate intervals, you will not become overdosed.

If you wish to have your vitamin D levels check, please contact us at Family Health Center. You can do an online office visit at CallFHC .com or call us to make an appointment.