If only all warnings came with the promise of such great benefits! Jane E. Brody believes that vitamin D "
is poised to become the nutrient of the decade". Vitamin D “is
an essential nutrient long renowned for its role in creating strong bones.”
The current controversy involves raising the maximum daily recommended intake. The amounts previously indicated as beneficial were 400 I.U. (
International Units) daily. New levels being suggested may more than double this standard.
“
Through most of human history, sunlight was the primary source of vitamin D. In addition to fortified drinks like milk, soy milk and some juices, the limited number of vitamin D food sources include oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, as well as cod liver oil and fish oils.” Ms. Brody suggests vitamins, supplements and breakfast cereals have “
minimal at best” amounts of vitamin D. “
An eight-ounce glass of milk or juice is supposed to contain 100 I.U.” whereas “
half a cup of canned red salmon has about 940 I.U.”.
Vitamin D, in higher amounts than ever previously recommended, has the potential to reduce bone fractures and help maintain better balance in the elderly. Higher levels of vitamin D may also increase our defense against a host of cancers, Type 1 Diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
Experts may argue over the new level of vitamin D they recommend. Caution is advised as “
high vitamin D levels [above 800 I.U.] with calcium can raise the risk of kidney stones in susceptible people.”
For the rest of us, old and young, dark skinned and fair, and possibly all our pets [with the exception of oily skinned fish], potentially miraculous benefits from vitamin D are on the horizon. While I wait for the experts to agree and recommend, I plan to increase my vitamin D levels to 750 I.U. See you at the fishing hole. I hear it’s very relaxing…for people.
- Nancy 
