It’s been called the “sunshine vitamin,” yet most people (including those living in sunny Florida) are highly deficient in vitamin D. The evidence is now overwhelming. Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated at least 17 types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, obesity, periodontal disease, and more. Optimal vitamin D levels are over 50 ng/mL, yet most Americans’ levels are below 30. As a result of widespread vitamin D deficiency, prominent nutritional scientists everywhere are now calling on people to increase their vitamin D intake. But before you add more vitamin D to your diet, it’s important to get a blood test to find out what your level is. The test is called Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy, and we or your primary-care doctor can order the test.
