Notes on Vitamin D Lecture (May 15th)

Introduction to Vitamin D Study

• Recent study highlights that current Vitamin D doses are likely too low.
• Normal sunny day exposure can produce 25,000 units of Vitamin D.
• UK government's recommended daily amount: 400 units (considered laughable).

Questions Raised

• Why are health authorities not updating recommendations based on new evidence?
• Are we truly evidence-based in our medical practices?

Cost and Availability of Vitamin D

• Vitamin D is inexpensive and does not have a patent, allowing for competition among manufacturers.
• Consumers often pay high prices due to limited competition.
• More competition could lower prices and improve quality.

Historical Background on Vitamin D

• Vitamin D's importance recognized in the 1920s and 30s for treating diseases like tuberculosis and psoriasis.
• Historical high doses (10x higher than current recommendations) led to modern caution about Vitamin D dosing.

Recent Research Findings

• Study conducted on hospitalized psychiatric patients in Ohio.
• Patients were monitored and dosed with 3,000 to 50,000 units of Vitamin D daily.
• Vitamin D is described as a hormone produced in the skin.
• Vitamin D deficiency linked to various diseases including:
  • Immunity issues
  • Heart disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Colon cancer
  • Breast and prostate cancers
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Tuberculosis

Clinical Observations

• Vitamin D supplementation shown to alleviate symptoms in diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Research results:
  • Patients supplemented with 5,000 to 10,000 units daily showed improvement.
  • No cases of Vitamin D induced hypercalcemia reported.
  • Positive clinical outcomes noted for patients on higher doses (up to 50,000 units).

Study Statistics

• Average Vitamin D levels:
  • Patients on supplementation: 118.9 ng/mL
  • Non-supplemented group: 27.1 ng/mL
• Calcium levels remained stable across groups, indicating safety of high Vitamin D dosing.
• Parathyroid hormone levels indicated that non-D3 users were compensating for low calcium levels.

Conclusion of the Study

• Long-term Vitamin D supplementation (5,000-50,000 units) appears safe and well-tolerated.
• Evidence suggests current recommendations are too low; health authorities should revise them.
• Individual supplementation should be guided by personal medical advice based on blood levels.

Final Thoughts

• The need for updated Vitamin D recommendations is urgent.
• Calls for action from health authorities to reconsider dosage guidelines based on current evidence.
• Emphasis on using inexpensive, evidence-based treatments without corporate influence.

Call to Action

• Review the original research paper for historical context and further understanding.
• Encourage medical authorities to improve health recommendations in line with evidence.