One of my goals this year is to work with my doc to determine the best possible daily supplement plan for me. And after reading our D Moms Daily wellness expert Dr. Kate Naumes’ post today, figuring out how much vitamin D I need has jumped to the tippy top of my list. Here’s what she has to say on the topic…
*******
Vitamin D. You’re probably aware that it shows up in fortified milk, as well as supplements, and that it increases with sunshine exposure. Beyond that, you might not think about it much – but it is worth us looking at today. Vitamin D has effects related to the incidence of C-sections, type I diabetes, and wheezing illness, among others.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the maintenance of many of our body’s organs. The common and often discussed issue with vitamin D deficiencies is bone health. However, vitamin D also has an important role in other health matters concerning moms and their children.
An estimated one billion people worldwide have insufficient vitamin D levels. In studies of adolescents, postmenopausal women, and the elderly, half of the U.S. population was shown to have had inadequate levels of this important vitamin. In one study, a multivitamin, daily milk intake, and weekly salmon did not prevent vitamin D deficiency. Despite prenatal vitamins, 73% of pregnant women were found to be vitamin D deficient, and 80% of newborns were deficient in one study. A second study, in which 90% of participants took prenatal vitamins, showed that half of pregnant women and newborns were insufficient or deficient in vitamin D.
Not convinced yet? Many people already know that in utero and during childhood, vitamin D deficiency can cause growth retardation and skeletal deformities and may increase the risk of hip fracture later in life. What isn’t as well known is that vitamin D plays a role in fetal lung development, with subsequent reduction in wheezing illness in children who have sufficient levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency at time of delivery quadrupled the risk of Cesarean section. Encouragingly, Finnish children given adequate amounts of vitamin D3 the first year of life, and followed for 31 years, had reduced risk of type I diabetes.
But enough with all the scary facts. The good news is you can get your levels tested and holistically correct deficiencies with the help of a qualified practitioner.
Dr. Kate Naumes, ND runs a Holistic Wellness practice in uptown. When she’s not doing her best to get vitamin D by playing outside with her son, she’s counseling her clients about creative and tangible ways optimize their health. She also provides pre-conception and infertility counseling, newborn and pediatric wellness education, as well as ongoing well-woman and menopause support. Learn more at naumesnd.com.
Disclaimer: Dr. Kate Naumes, ND holds a Doctorate in Naturopathy and a Certificate in Midwifery from Bastyr University. The state of Texas does not license Naturopathic Doctors. As such, she holds her license in California and acts in Texas as a wellness consultant, not as a physician.
