Even Many Sunny Californians Need More Vitamin D

Especially those that are overweight, or looking to lose weight, are at high risk of being vitamin D deficient according to a new study from the University of California at Davis and published in the journal Hormone and Metabolic Research. The research study looked at vitamin D levels in over 70 individuals, half of who were overweight, the other half was normal weight. Because vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, individuals with more body fat need to have more vitamin D to maintain enough in their blood stream and for normal bodily functions such as hormone synthesis. The study results were surprising to the research scientists because California, especially in the Davis area (in between San Francisco and Sacramento) receives a lot of sun throughout the year. Vitamin D is found in large amounts in dairy containing foods such as whey protein, milk, cold-water fish, and is fortified in some cereals. While people that live in colder climates such as the Midwest and Northeast are well known to need vitamin D supplements, the finding that many in California are also low is alarming to physicians and weight loss professional since in recent years research has found a role for vitamin D in not only maintaining bone health, but also in maintaining a healthy heart, lowering cancer and diabetes risk, along with the ability to lose weight. The results from the group at UC Davis are helping researchers and public health officials draw an imaginary line through the country highlighting where vitamin D deficiency is most common and likely to be a health risk. Previous work in Florida and Southern California found that even overweight individuals tended to have sufficient levels of vitamin D because of the large number of sunny and warm days throughout the year. This most recent work, though, shows that the number of Americans receiving enough sunlight to optimize the amount of vitamin D is very narrow because just several hours north in Davis California the amount of sun exposure is not enough. According to Dr. Jialal, who serves as the director of the research laboratory performing the work, these results tell us that we need to focus on letting people know that if they live in these areas eating vitamin D rich foods are necessary for optimal levels. And given the many positive benefits from increased bone health to lowering a persons risk of diabetes and cancer; having optimal levels of vitamin D is extremely important. To learn more about subjects like this and to start changing your body, please visit us at New Lifestyle Diet.