Clinical Study Title:
Vitamin D in preventive medicine: are we ignoring the evidence?

Plain English Summary:

Vitamin D is used by most parts of the body, and it can be detected by running tests on the blood. Studies suggest that most children and older adults are often deficient in vitamin D, especially during the winter months. There has also been increasing evidence as to the relation of vitamin D deficiency to the development of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, as well as different forms of cancer. Vitamin D supplementation has also been linked to helping to reduce blood pressure for people who are hypertensive, as well has helping to modulate glucose levels in people who area diabetic, and aiding in symptom control of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests that a daily supplement of vitamin D can help to benefit most people, and can especially help to improve symptoms of many chronic disorders.

Authors

Zittermann A.

Institution

Department of Nutrition Science, University of Bonn

Country of Publication

England

Source

British Journal of Nutrition. 89(5):552-72, 2003 May.