Vitamin D - October 2011

Winter Blues, Winter Flus: A simple explanation

By Dr. Tamara Browne, Penticton, BC

In northern climates vitamin D deficiency is common due to the fact that the sun’s rays are angled to such an extent that the UVB portion of these rays is filtered out. The UVB rays stimulate the biological production of active Vitamin D, D3. Although, in the summer a person produces about 20 000 IU of vitamin D in just 20 minutes, in the Canadian winter we produce virtually none, even if we do expose our skin to the sun (not likely!).

So how does this affect us?

Seemingly the effect is significant according to some recent research. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a myriad of health problems which occur more routinely in the winter than any other season or which occur more readily in Northern climates in general.

For instance, viral and bacterial infections including the Flu occur more in the winter. It has been discovered that Vitamin D turns on genes that boost production of antimicrobial peptides called cathelicidins which destroy viruses, bacteria, and other germs.

Low vitamin D levels are also associated with an increased risk of cancer, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), osteoporosis, rickets, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. In elderly people this deficiency is linked with weakness, an increased chance of developing macular degeneration, and a 2.5 times increased risk of death.

Testing is available to determine your Vitamin D status. Recommended supplemental intake during fall and winter is 1000-2000iu per day of vitamin D3. Dietary sources of active vitamin D are scarce and include some fatty fish (herring, salmon, sardines), fish liver oils, eggs from hens that have been fed vitamin D, and fortified milk and infant formulas. Other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are not usually fortified with vitamin D.

Dr. Tamara's Bio: Dr. Tamara Browne - Naturopathic Doctor. Dr. Browne graduated from Bastyr University of Naturopathic Medicine, Seattle, Wa., in 1996 and has had an active general family Naturopathic practice in the South Okanagan area ever since. Her current practice is called The Okanagan Chelation Center, and is located at 101-1040 Main Street Okanagan Falls BC, V0H 1R4. She specializes in heart disease prevention & treatment, Chelation & metal detoxification, vitamin & mineral injections, lab testing, pain management techniques, chronic disease management, prevention, nutrition, herbal medicine, constitutional homeopathy, weight loss, & women's health. To contact Dr. Browne - Ph. 250-497-6681. Dr. Browne has a column called ' Naturopathic Corner ' and has written for OK In Health since June 2009. - Dr. Tamara Browne Website - Email