We've been hearing how important Vitamin D is for a while now, but we still had some questions about it. Luckily, we had the chance to sit down with Dr. Reinhold Vieth, who set us straight about our supplements.
There's been a lot of talk about how Vitamin D is crucial for Canadians to prevent cancer. Are there any other benefits to Vitamin D?
Vitamin D has both preventative and protective effects in maintaining good health and staving off illness. Research indicates that adequate vitamin D can protect against autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and it is shown to decrease the likelihood of a heart attack and high blood pressure. Moreover, adequate storage levels of vitamin D help to keep bones strong and may help to prevent osteoporosis in older adults.
Is there any benefit to taking Calcium and Vitamin D in combination?
Calcium and vitamin D work together to prevent bone disease. Thus, food combining the two nutrients works nicely for people wanting healthy bones. In an effort to make it easier for Canadians of all ages to achieve the recommended vitamin D and calcium intake levels, Yoplait has recently launched an initiative to add these elements to its full range of yogurt and fresh cheese products.
Do any foods or medicines inhibit Vitamin D or Calcium absorption?
Calcium is important even if it is not absorbed into the bloodstream! Calcium is the only nutrient that our intestines can adapt to if there is enough Vitamin D. Healthy people usually do not absorb most calcium they eat. Calcium in the intestine prevents absorption of things we would rather not absorb, such as dietary fat and oxalates (in leafy greens). Additionally, low stomach acid, smoking, high refined sugar intake, high protein intake (especially from meat), caffeine, alcohol and excess salt consumption prevent some calcium absorption.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound, and people who cannot absorb fats well, will also not absorb vitamin D well either. For patients with liver disease or bowel disease, it may require the help of a medical professional to adjust the dose of vitamin D.
Do you need to take more Vitamin D or Calcium at different times of your life (i.e.: if pregnant, or going through menopause?)
Dietary calcium requirements depend in part upon whether the body is growing or making new bone or milk for lactation. Requirements are therefore greatest during childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Dr. Reinhold Vieth is internationally recognized as an expert in the toxicology and the clinical nutrition of vitamin D, with over 100 publications. He is a Professor at the University of Toronto, in both the Department of Nutritional Sciences, and in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. He is also a professionally certified clinical biochemist, and at Mount Sinai Hospital he is Director of the Bone and Mineral Laboratory.