Articles tagged with Vitamin D
Researchers propose adding calcium and vitamin D to existing FDA-mandated enrichment mix in products like bread and pasta to reduce osteoporosis and colon cancer incidences. The measure could save 11,000 lives and $3 billion annually with minimal financial cost.
A study of 307 healthy adolescents found that 24.1% were vitamin D deficient, with African Americans and winter seasons having the highest prevalence. Season, ethnicity, diet, BMI, and physical activity were also significant predictors of vitamin D insufficiency.
A study monitored sun exposure, diet and blood levels of vitamin D in 23 teenage girls from ages 10 to 13 years old. The results showed that almost half of the Bangor area girls had insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood, with 17% having low levels in September.
A study found that women taking high doses of vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D levels in the blood prior to onset of MS should be measured in future studies.
A study of 150 children and adults found that African-American, East African, Hispanic, and Native American subjects were nearly entirely vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant risks for osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
A new study reveals that vitamin D levels predict the risk of falls among women, with 45% of nursing home residents suffering from deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are proposed as a solution to prevent falls and related health issues.
A study highlights the rise of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children and pregnant women, particularly in immigrant groups in more temperate regions. Experts recommend extra dietary vitamin D supplementation for these populations to prevent deficiencies.
A significant revision of the daily recommended allowances for Vitamin D is needed to protect public health, according to Dr. Holick. Adults should aim for 1000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D per day through regular and moderate exposure to sunlight.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that Zemplar, a drug mimicking vitamin D hormone, sensitizes cancer cells to radiation therapy without harming normal cells. The combination reduced radiation dose by 2.4 times while maintaining treatment efficacy.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that paricalcitol, a newer vitamin D formulation, has a significant impact on improving survival rates among dialysis patients. The study showed a 16% better survival rate for patients taking paricalcitol compared to those taking calcitriol.
Researchers have found a promising combination therapy that may significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer. In a phase II clinical trial, the combination of calcitriol and docetaxel showed a higher PSA response rate compared to docetaxel alone.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a potent Vitamin D analog, known as 2MD, which significantly increases bone density in rats with osteoporosis. The compound has shown no apparent toxicity and may become an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
African American women are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency due to darker skin and limited sunlight exposure. Research suggests that even with adequate supplements, many African American women still suffer from hypovitaminosis D.
New studies suggest that vitamin D may help prevent colon cancer by activating the detoxification of lithocholic acid, a known carcinogen. Researchers found that vitamin D acts as a sensor for the toxic chemical, triggering proteins to clear it from the body.
Researchers found that high-fat diets lead to an accumulation of lithocholic acid, a toxic compound produced when the body processes cholesterol. The vitamin D receptor plays a crucial role in eliminating this acid, which may help prevent colon cancer. However, excessive vitamin D intake can cause other health issues.
Women over age 65 who took vitamin D had a significant reduction in heart disease risk compared to those who didn't. The study found that vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of heart disease death by nearly one-third, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study of 12,055 women found that children with recommended vitamin D supplements had a reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers suggest that health workers ensure all infants receive adequate vitamin D to prevent the condition.
A 42-month study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sustained-release sodium fluoride safely reduces the risk for vertebral fractures and increases spinal bone mass in older women with osteoporosis. The treatment combination also reduced bone resorption when adequate calcium and vitamin D were provided.
A large study of male physicians found that high calcium intake, particularly from dairy products, was associated with a 30-34% increased risk of prostate cancer. The authors suggest that this may be due to the suppression of vitamin D production, which is thought to protect against prostate cancer.
Vitamin D deficiency is common among elderly community-living women, associated with higher levels of disability. Elderly black women are at significant risk due to lower cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3, while obesity is linked to deficiency in less-disabled women.
Researchers found that obese subjects showed an attenuated response to simulated sunlight, with serum vitamin D concentrations less than half those of lean individuals. Oral administration of vitamin D2 was more effective in raising serum concentrations, suggesting that obese individuals sequester vitamin D in body fat.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have created a new compound that helps delay the onset and reduce the number of skin cancers in lab mice. The compound, a modified form of vitamin D, does not cause calcium loss, making it a potential alternative approach to reducing cancer risk.
The number of African-American babies diagnosed with rickets has increased by 4.4 times, while all babies have seen a three-fold increase due to low vitamin D levels in breast milk. The disease is caused by the body's inability to absorb calcium, leading to softening and weakening of bones.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that nutritional rickets is increasing in dark-skinned breastfed children due to lower vitamin D levels and reduced sunlight exposure. The condition can cause bowed legs, shorter stature, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Research at Penn State reveals vitamin D deficiency worsens symptoms of Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis in mice, while treatment with Vitamin D supplements reduces inflammation. The connection between vitamin D status and inflammatory bowel disease incidence is also suggested by geographical distribution.
Researchers are examining whether high doses of vitamin D can stop the progression or destroy prostate cancer. If successful, patients may be able to delay aggressive treatment and stay on the treatment indefinitely.
A recent study has uncovered the role of a gene in regulating vitamin D levels, shedding light on the causes of rare forms of rickets. The research suggests that production of active vitamin D hormone by the kidneys is essential for normal bone health and growth in children, particularly those with kidney failure or aging.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that underlying vitamin D deficiency in post-menopausal women is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. The researchers discovered that 50% of women with osteoporosis who suffered a hip fracture had previously undetected vitamin D deficiency.
A large retrospective study found that poor dietary intake of animal protein in postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. In contrast, calcium and vitamin D intake had no significant association.
A study of 290 hospital patients found that nearly 60% had vitamin D deficiency, with severe cases common among those without known risk factors. The researchers highlight the importance of screening and treating low vitamin D levels to prevent bone-related issues and fractures.
Researchers at UPCI have found that a steroid drug improves the effectiveness of a vitamin D analogue in killing cancer cells while reducing a potentially life-threatening side effect. The combination of dexamethasone and 1,25-D3 was more effective than 1,25-D3 alone in preventing tumor growth and reducing blood calcium levels.
Researchers found that supplements significantly reduced bone loss and increased bone density in older men, while also reducing the risk of fractures. The study's findings suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be an effective lifelong strategy for maintaining bone health.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have found that vitamin D significantly reduces prostate cancer growth in rats. Tumors in treated rats were 88% smaller than those in control rats, and lung metastases were also reduced.