Vitamin D For Disease Prevention

Posted September 06, 2011 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine, Massage Therapy School

Diet can be responsible for a lack of the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin.’ Vitamin D deficiencies can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancer and osteoporosis. Researchers from London’s Kingston University have developed a new, highly accurate blood test that can detect associations between diet and low levels of vitamin D. This enables them, and other healthcare professionals to access the levels of, and use, vitamin D for disease prevention in their clients.
With the new test, developed by Declan Naughton and colleagues, the different forms of vitamin D the body absorbs from diet and sunlight, known as vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 respectively, can be individually distinguished from closely related compounds.
“Many people know that the main source of vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight because humans produce a type of vitamin D naturally from the action of sun on the skin,” says Naughton. “But what’s perhaps less well known is that another type of the vitamin can be found in foods. Our new test can measure all the forms of vitamin D, and potentially help us to understand what is causing the deficiency. Perhaps people just need more sun, or maybe they should be looking more closely at their diet too.”

Vitamin D2 can be found in:

  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Egg yolks

Vitamin D plays a key role in forming and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include fatigue, aching muscles and bones and in severe cases a deficiency can cause osteoporosis.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, massage therapy and herbal medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.
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