Low Level Vitamin D Rheumatic Disease Patients
Written By: Archives of Internal Medicine
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Published - Jul 3, 2008
About three-quarters of patients with rheumatic diseases affecting the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons were found to have a vitamin D deficiency. According to a recent study conducted in Ireland, low vitamin D levels were found in 70% of the patients with rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, a severe vitamin D deficiency was found in 26% of the people. This deficiency was the same for both young and older patients.
Vitamin D is best known for its role in maintaining healthy bones. Recent studies have revealed that high doses of vitamin D will not only help bones but may affectively prevent a number of cancers including prostate, breast, lung, and colon as well as reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure.
Vitamin D is naturally synthesized by the skin after exposure to the sun. In addition, for vitamin D to be made, the intestinal track, liver, and kidneys all must work optimally. Simply laying in the sunshine is not the answer to achieving adequate vitamin D levels.