Below is some additional information from Dr. Massey regarding Vitamin D deficiency and how it relates to heart health. To read the entire Press-Register article, click here.
- Traditionally, 95 percent of the body's Vitamin D requirement comes from the skin's synthesis of Vitamin D from ultraviolet B rays from the sun. An SPF of 15 or greater blocks 99 percent of this conversion.
- Only 5 percent of the vitamin D requirement comes from food sources. Highest food sources include cod liver oil, wild caught salmon, farmed salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines.
- At risk populations: elderly, darkly pigmented skin, (higher levels of melanin blocks skin conversion), those who are homebound or institutionalized, smokers, & the obese.
- According to NHANES III (Third National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey), 25-57 percent of adults in the U.S. are Vitamin D deficient.
- Those residing below the 40 degree latitude (south of Atlanta) should be at less risk because they are closer to the equator and therefore closer to the sun. Until now that has been presumed to be the case. But that may not be true, possibly because of increased sunscreen use.
- You should not increase Vitamin D supplements without physician guidance because it can result in Vitamin D toxicity.
- Sun exposure is the simplest and easiest way to enhance Vitamin D levels. However, the face should always be protected. Dr. Massey recommends 10 minutes of sun exposure on the arms and legs between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., 3 times per week during the spring, summer and fall months. This will provide enough Vitamin D stores for a year. The skin destroys excess amounts so its impossible to become Vitamin D toxic from sun exposure.
