By Jan Shapan

There is a critically important hormone that we need but the so few of us have the proper amount of in our bodies. You may have heard about this hormone more commonly known as Vitamin D or Vitamin D3.

Unfortunately, studies are consistently concluding that more than half the population lack adequate levels of vitamin d due to our tendencies to conduct our lives indoors and being taught to fear the sun and avoid it.

This powerful hormone (vitamin d) protects us in a variety of ways and helps us avoid several serious diseases. For example, vitamin d has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, arm the body to fight against various cancers, strengthen our bones and reduce the virility of common battles against the flu among many people.

Recently a new study co-authored by Esther Krug, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and an endocrinologist at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore discovered that vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with Type 2 diabetes and may contribute to poor blood sugar control.

According to the study, Krug’s team examined the medical records of 124 patients with Type 2 diabetes. The patients ranged from 36 to 89 years of age and were being cared for in a specialized outpatient clinic during the period 2003 to 2008.

Amazingly, more than 90% of the patients were either vitamin d deficient or insufficient and only 6% were taking any type of vitamin d supplement at their first visit to the clinic.

And the study revealed an inverse relationship between the patients’ blood levels of vitamin D and their hemoglobin A1c value which is a measure of blood sugar control over time.

One of Krug’s key conclusions was, “Since primary care providers diagnose and treat most patients with Type 2 diabetes, screening and vitamin D supplementation as part of routine primary care may improve health outcomes of this highly prevalent condition.”

What is the Best Next Step?

Some proclaim food sources as the best secondary strategy to get needed vitamin d but food sources are not capable of delivering the needed vitamin d levels. The first step is to consciously try to get at least 15 minutes per day of sunlight, preferably mid day. Avoid the intense late day sunshine if possible.

Second, start taking high quality vitamin d supplements. If you have health conditions, ask your doctor to test your vitamin d levels before you begin a supplementation.

Based on current research, doctors recommend a vitamin d3 supplement because the body can more effectively use the vitamin d3 form instead the vitamin d2.

Many medical professionals are unclear about what levels of daily supplementation is needed but virtually all agree the government’s historical recommendations of 400 IUs per day are too low.

Previous recommendations of 1000 to 2000 IUs have now proved to be too low to have a positive effect on health. Current research recommends 4000 to 8000 IU per day as a more appropriate amount depending your the amount of sunlight one receives each day. The amount of sunshine you get, your skin color and diet all influence the levels of vitamin d you should take as a supplement. Our recommendation is that you take a Vitamin D Test to determine the dosage that is right for you. Click Here for information on Vitamin D Tests!

About The Author

_________________________________________________________________________________

Getting the right vitamin D in you diet is critical to overall health and happiness; Janet Shapan, publisher, writer and media designer has assembled the most current research and the best vitamin D sources to take care of all your vitamin D needs. Get the facts: http://vitamind-supplements.com or http://vitamindcancer.com

So happy you came back to our site... we continually are updating our research and reports on the benefits of Vitamin D. Please pass on the good news that solutions are available and affordable! To you good health! Janet Shapan & Karl Edmunds