As many of us swallow down one, two, three, or even four vitamins and supplements every morning, do you ever stop and think, “Do I really need to take all these vitamins?” Well, more research is being conducted for this very reason. In this column, I’d like to focus on vitamin D.
Do you know what your vitamin D level is? According to a press release from the CDC in 2012, “the report found the highest rates of vitamin D deficiency in non-Hispanic blacks (31 percent) despite clinical data showing greater bone density and fewer fractures in this group … the vitamin D deficiency rate for Mexican-Americans was 12 percent, and for non-Hispanic whites it was three percent.” This report went on to say that “vitamin D is essential for good bone health but it may also improve muscle strength and protect against cancer and type 2 diabetes.”
As stated by the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) in October of 2013, “In studies of cancer cells and of tumors in mice, vitamin D has been found to have several activities that might slow or prevent the development of cancer, including promoting cellular differentiation, decreasing cancer cell growth, stimulating cell death (apoptosis), and reducing tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis).”
Yet another study conducted in Finland with over 12,000 children found that “dietary vitamin D supplementation is associated with reduced risk of type 1 diabetes.” Could it really be that simple? If we provide the body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and elements, could we fix our health problems?
I encourage all of you to watch a movie that has changed my life… it’s called FOOD MATTERS. I’d love to hear your opinions! Until next time…
This column is sponsored by Perfect Form Center for Wellness & Anti-Aging
column by HOLLIE HILL, RN, BSN, CFO
BIO: Hollie Hill is a critical care nurse and co-creator of Perfect Form Center for Wellness & Anti-Aging in Winter Haven. When Hollie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two beautiful children, and is a perpetual student of her profession.
