Vitamin D Deficiency Almost Epidemic
Written By: Dr. Jan Mc Barron of Duke and the Doctor Radio Show
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Published - Dec 1, 2009
Many U.S. teenagers, including half of African Americans, would be considered vitamin D deficient if the definition of the deficiency were changed to what many experts now recommend. There is continual debate over how the optimum vitamin D level should be defined. However, many argue that while currently a level of 30 ng/mL or higher is desirable, the research indicates that the cutoff for deficiency should be below 20 ng/mL.
In a recent study of 3000 individuals ages 12-19, they found that 14% would be deficient in vitamin D if the new standard was applied. In addition, a startling 50% of black teenagers would be considered vitamin D deficient.
While vitamin D has been the subject of much research lately, it is known that vitamin D is important for healthy bone development and maintenance
as well as healthy function of nerves, muscles, and the immune system. Other studies have linked low vitamin D to higher risk of diabetes. It is evident that clearly most people including children are deficient in vitamin D. Therefore, taking a good multivitamin that includes natural vitamin D is beneficial.
As of late 2009, doctors and scientists are recommending up to 10,000 IU of Vitamin D daily. Many doctors prescribe 50,000 IU daily for a short time for patients found to be Vitamin D deficient.