eileen

Recent study from UMaine researchers says people in less sunny environments need vitamin D-rich foods

By: Dylan Riley

Posted: 3/24/08

Mainers may be at an increased risk for cancer because of low vitamin D levels during the wintertime, according to a recent national study done by researchers from the University of Maine.

The Federal Government standard recommends that the average American consumes 200 international units of vitamin D each day, or about two glasses of fortified milk. The data comes from studies done on people who have rather consistent yearly levels of vitamin D in the body.

Mainers do not have consistent yearly levels of vitamin D, according to Susan Sullivan, a researcher at UMaine's food science and nutrition department. Sunlight assists in the creation of vitamin D in the body, which means that Maine's short winter days that lack direct sunlight leave Mainers with less consistent vitamin D levels than most Americans. Companies that fortify their foods with vitamin D use the government's 200 IU as their standard, which isn't enough for Mainers, according to Sullivan.

"Somebody would have to drink at least 10 eight-ounce cups of milk a day to get enough vitamin D in the winter," Sullivan said.

Sullivan recommends that Mainers take in at least 800 IU of vitamin D a day, especially during the winter, but feels that 1,000 IU is best.

People should get their vitamins from food, not supplements, Sullivan said. Older men and women need more than 800 IU of vitamin D, while it's unknown how much infants or young children need. Foods with high levels of vitamin D include fatty fishes, dairy products, liver and beef. Ten to 15 minutes of direct sunlight twice a week is sufficient to create enough vitamin D in the skin, according to the National Institute of Health.

"One of the problems is the government's requirement is too low, and all of our food fortification is set up to match the government's requirement," Sullivan said.

Cancer is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 85, according to the researchers' study, and as much as one-third to two-thirds of cancers could be prevented by dietary factors, including healthy levels of vitamin D.

Sunlight also increases the risk of cancer, and the study suggests people not spend more time in the sun than recommended. The National Institution of Health encourages people to always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

The study stated that most researchers believe the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board Institute of Medicine, which is responsible for updating nutrient guidelines needs to increase the recommended dose of daily vitamin D. The institute's guidelines were last published in 1997. The maximum recommended dose is 2,000 IU, although harmful effects have not been recorded in levels more than 10,000 IU.

The institute of medicine met in fall 2007 to discuss increasing the recommended dose of vitamin D, but decided that there was not yet enough scientific evidence.

Individual body differences also affect vitamin levels. Sullivan encourages doctors to check their patients so that people could pay more attention to maintaining healthy amounts.

Members of the research team were unavailable for comment.

SOURCE LINK: http://www.mainecampus.com/home/inde...9-13f12a8abec4

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under-exposure to uv rays is as dangerous as over-exposure...This is "D" life! (eileen)