Vitamin D is It Nutrient with Success Against
Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis
Many of the 23 million Americans with diabetes have
low vitamin D levels
Jan. 12, 2009 - Vitamin D may prevent or delay the
onset of diabetes and reduce complications for those who have already
been diagnosed. Welcome news for many senior citizens, who are also
eyeing Vitamin D because of other recent reports showing it offers
health benefits for diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart
disease.
While Vitamin E, once the hot supplement for
seniors, has been losing its luster due to new negative research (see
sidebar), Vitamin D is quickly becoming the it nutrient, according to
a review article, written by researchers from Loyola University Chicago
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. It appears 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, 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. The
preferred range in the body is 30 - 60 ng/mL of 25(OH) vitamin D.
"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.
Penckofer recently published another study in
Circulation that reported on the role of chronic vitamin D
deficiency in heart disease. The Circulation study authors
included Glen W. Sizemore, MD, emeritus professor of Medicine, Division
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Loyola University Chicago Stritch
School of Medicine, and Diane E. Wallis, MD, Midwest Heart Specialists,
Downers Grove, Ill.
Background Information
The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing was founded
in 1935 as the first baccalaureate nursing program in Illinois. Today,
the School is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education. Top-rated nursing programs are offered at all levels along
with programs for dietetics and health systems management. In addition
to academic programs, the School is home to the Center for Ethics in
Nursing, the Center for Spiritual Leadership in Health Care, and the
Center for Nursing Research. The School is part of Loyola University
Chicago, ranked one of the country's top national universities by U.S.
News & World Report. In concert with the Loyola's Jesuit heritage, the
School of Nursing stresses excellence in teaching, research, service and
practice.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Jan. 12, 2009 - Vitamin D may prevent or delay the
onset of diabetes and reduce complications for those who have already
been diagnosed. Welcome news for many senior citizens, who are also
eyeing Vitamin D because of other recent reports showing it offers
health benefits for diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart
disease.