Comments on: Swine-B-Gon

By: Blog-watch: Vitamin D

Blog-watch: Vitamin D — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:09:14 +0000

[...] Swine-B-Gon: continuing on the swine flu theme, Mistress Krista on Stumptuous did a post about the recent research into Vitamin D. This article also has handy information about the different types of Vitamin D, which I was unaware of before now. [...]

By: Ammi

Ammi — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:37:05 +0000

I was reading Chris Shugart’s article on Vitamin D the other day ( http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/d_is_for_doping ) and thinking that I needed up up my D supplementation.

I think you’re bang on with 1000 IU a day being the minimum Krista. Thanks for the handy information about the types of Vit D (before I start buying the necessary supplementation).

Lillian: I’ve found that a really easy way to get cod liver oil down me is to drizzle the necessary dosage over dinner (especially things like cabbage, bolognese, chilli etc). The flavour quickly gets drowned out. Or even better is stirring it in with my tuna snack – you never notice the extra fish flavour then!

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:56:49 +0000

Very likely vitamin D is not only safe but crucial (as is intake of omega-3 fatty acids from marine — not plant — sources).
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/111/4/908

By: Candace Fountain

Candace Fountain — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:48:51 +0000

Do you know if it is safe to take 1000IU of Vitamin D while breastfeeding?

By: Janna

Janna — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:41:48 +0000

I’m relieved you didn’t suggest tanning beds! I’ve recently (unfortunately) observed two cases of life-threatening skin cancer in friends who thought tanning was healthy. Many people don’t realize how powerful (and irreversible) UVA and UVB damage it.

Vitamin D = :)….Any tan=skin damage. Tanning is an outdated aesthetic and there are safer ways to get Vitamin D. Thanks for this article.

By: Kat

Kat — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:15:49 +0000

It’s worth mentioning that Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) has also been shown to be toxic, especially at high levels. That extra double bond really screws things up for your liver enzymes, plus you get very little benefit from it.

Vitamin D3, ergocalciferol, is where it’s at. I’ve been taking 1000 IU on cloudy days (which is most of the fall, winter, and spring where I am) for the past year and have not been sick, and I’m pretty sure I have been happier too (though I’ve also increased my physical activity, which I’m sure helps).

Bottom line: Vitamin D3. Yes.

By: Trishy

Trishy — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:02:35 +0000

If my vitamin chemistry is still correct, then I remember vitamin D being a fat-soluble vitamin (along with A, E, and K). Since we synthesize D upon exposure to sunlight, is it possible that a sunny day spent outside would allow enough of the vitamin to be synthesized and stored so that the “average” level over the rest of the week would be normal? I also wonder how much of this population-level vitamin D deficiency is related to sunscreen use. Sunscreen is a good thing, of course, but it must hinder vitamin D synthesis.

By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:37:24 +0000

Lauren’s absolutely right! Having survived the swine flu epidemic in Oz this winter without even a cold (fingers crossed now), the other thing to do is have a flu shot before your winter really gets underway… Swine flu swept through our workplace with varying degrees of severity & the best thing is not to get it – it is very nasty even for healthy individuals. Good luck Canada!

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:36:41 +0000

Trishy — check the dosage. It’s probably quite low.

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:36:21 +0000

Lauren: Yes, exactly. You are now immortal. Go stick your face in a bee’s hive. The results will amaze you!