[blindweightwatcher] fw Vitamin D is 'It' Nutrient `
- From: "Jan Bailey" <jb021951@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <blindweightwatcher@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:51:03 -0600
Vitamin D is 'It' Nutrient
Vitamin D is quickly becoming the "it" nutrient with health benefits for
diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and now diabetes. A
recent
review article published by researchers from Loyola University Chicago Marcella
Niehoff School of Nursing concluded that adequate intake of vitamin D may
prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and reduce complications for those who
have already been diagnosed. These findings appeared in the latest issue
of Diabetes Educator.
"Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases
in particular," said Sue Penckofer, Ph.D., R.N., study co-author and professor,
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. "This article
further substantiates the role of this nutrient in the prevention and management
of glucose intolerance and diabetes."
Many of the 23 million Americans with diabetes have low vitamin D levels.
Evidence suggests that vitamin D plays an integral role in insulin sensitivity
and secretion. Vitamin D deficiency results in part from poor nutrition, which
is one of the most challenging issues for people with diabetes. Another
culprit is reduced exposure to sunlight, which is common during cold weather
months when days are shorter and more time is spent indoors.
One study examined for this review article evaluated 3,000 people with type 1
diabetes and found a decreased risk in disease for people who took vitamin
D supplements. Observational studies of people with type 2 diabetes also
revealed that supplementation may be important in the prevention of this
disease.
"Management of vitamin D deficiency may be a simple and cost-effective method
to improve blood sugar control and prevent the serious complications associated
with diabetes," said Joanne Kouba, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N., study co-author and
clinical assistant professor of dietetics, Loyola University Chicago Marcella
Niehoff School of Nursing.
Diet alone may not be sufficient to manage vitamin D levels. A combination of
adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight, and treatment
with vitamin D2 or D3 supplements can decrease the risk of diabetes and related
health concerns.
"People at risk for diabetes should be screened for low vitamin D levels," said
Mary Ann Emanuele, M.D., F.A.C.P., study co-author and professor of medicine,
division of endocrinology and metabolism, Loyola University Health System.
"This will allow health care professionals to identify a nutrient deficiency
early on and intervene to improve the long term health of these individuals."
Vitamin D deficiency also may be associated with hyperglycemia, insulin
resistance, hypertension and heart disease.
Other related posts:
- » [blindweightwatcher] fw Vitamin D is 'It' Nutrient ` - Jan Bailey
