Posted 3/31/2009 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Recent studies have shown a link between chronic vitamin D deficiency and several auto-immune diseases. The studies mention MS, diabetes, IBD, lupus and several others. It is a very common deficiency with some places (Saudi Arabia) showing up to 85% of the population deficient. A common recommendation is 2000 IU daily, but some studies show 5500 to 11000 IU for 20 weeks did not raise the blood levels of vitamin D above acceptable limits. Discuss this with your doctor, but if he/she approves the idea, get a supplement recommendation from a Naturopath or a nutritionist. There are all kinds of sources used for supplements and you would want an absorbable form like D3 or maybe 25 (OH) Cholecalciferol. Avoid D2 supplements which are less readily converted to the blood based form. It is one of the cheaper supplements and definitely worth exploring.