Vitamin D not only prevents the emergence of bone fragility, but possibly protects against cancer, diabetes and heart attack, reports the German Tagesspiegel. Scientists argue about how much vitamin D is needed for a person.
The most famous disease caused by a lack of vitamin D is rickets, which is noticeable on deformed bones, the newspaper notes.. In times of industrialization, it was especially common among children who grew up in the hidden from the sun, the dark urban courtyards of big cities.
But, apparently, vitamin D is more than just an element that strengthens the bones, reads the article. People living in southern latitudes and receiving enough sun throughout the year, and with it vitamin D, die less from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some forms of cancer, such as intestinal cancer and breast cancer. They are less likely to have such a disease of the nervous system as multiple sclerosis. Perhaps the whole thing in the "solar vitamin", researchers suggest.
"To this we should add that almost all human organs are provided with molecular" berths "for vitamin D. In cells, this substance acts as a switch controlling more than 1000 genes. It is possible that supplying the body with a solar hormone along this path protects it from diseases - at least, it is hoped for, "- writes the publication.
Take, for example, cancer. As studies show, with a low level of vitamin D in the blood, the risk of breast, prostate and intestinal cancer increases by 30-50%. And according to a study in the US state of Nebraska, the risk of cancer in women older than 55 years declined in the first year by as much as 77% if they took daily 1,100 international units of vitamin D3.
However, not all experts agree with this, the newspaper notes.. For example, the American National Cancer Institute in June 2010 stated that a number of studies do confirm the association of vitamin D with a decrease in the risk of cancer. However, the results of studies in cancer of the intestine are contradictory, and in malignant tumors in the mammary gland, prostate and pancreas are "unclear".
Or take, for example, the immune system, continues the author of the article. It is possible that vitamin D enhances the defenses of the body - and simultaneously suppresses excessive self-destructive reactions of the immune system. As one American study revealed, people with a low level of vitamin D are more likely to get a cold or flu, says the author..
"However, according to skeptics, until now there are not enough solid, scientifically substantiated studies," writes the author of the article. "This criticism concerns the whole spectrum of vitamin D studies in connection with chronic diseases - with the exception of its unequivocally proven health benefits for bones".
As the newspaper notes, the recently published recommendations of the Medical Institute of the American National Academy of Sciences, developed on behalf of the governments of the United States and Canada. They had the effect of a cold shower for all ardent supporters of vitamin D among scientists. Instead of following a seemingly convincing rate of "1000-2000 units a day," specialists determined a daily norm of 400 units (10 micrograms) and recommend taking 600 units each. The exception is people over 70 who are recommended to take 800 units.
According to experts from the United States, studies have shown that vitamin D and calcium are useful for bone health. However, their role in other health problems is not proven.
Even more cautious is the German Nutrition Society, further stated in the article.
The recommended daily allowance is 200 units (corresponding to 5 micrograms). Only infants and people over 65 years of age are recommended to take 400 units.
Do not at your own risk and try to cure a potential lack of vitamins, advises Dieter Felsenberg, an expert on musculoskeletal and bone diseases at the Berlin Charite clinic,. It is better to determine your level of vitamin D by paying money, and to consult a doctor who is competent in the matter of bone health, Felsenberg believes..
News. Gradusnik. En.