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Vitamin D

All articles tagged with #vitamin d

health3 days ago•8 min saved

Sunny Season Falls Short: Vitamin D Deficiency Persists Even in Summer, Study Finds

Newcastle University researchers analyzed 299 people and found vitamin D insufficiency remains common even in summer, especially among adults 65+ and individuals with darker skin. Factors include older skin less able to produce vitamin D, higher melanin blocking UVB, and northern latitude limits on summer sun. The findings suggest sun exposure alone may not boost vitamin D for high-risk groups and year-round supplementation is important, though guidelines vary and the study has caveats (all participants started with low levels and supplement users were excluded; funded by BetterYou).

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #deficiency #health

health8 days ago•398 min saved

Boost Your Bone Density in Midlife: 7 Doctor-Recommended Foods

As bone density peaks around age 30 and gradually declines with age, a doctor emphasizes pairing calcium with vitamin D to maximize absorption. The top foods to support bone density are yogurt, milk, calcium-fortified soy milk, cottage cheese, salmon, sardines, and tofu. Aim for about 1,000 mg of calcium daily (1,200 mg for women over 50 and adults over 70) and 15 mcg (600 IU) of vitamin D, or 20 mcg (800 IU) for seniors. Whole foods offer additional nutrients beyond calcium, and many adults are Vitamin D deficient, so focus on both nutrients in your diet and consult a doctor if considering supplements. Meal ideas include yogurt-milk smoothies, sardine salads, roasted salmon, tofu stir-fries, and labneh with smoked salmon.

via TODAY.com|

#bone-density #calcium #health

health21 days ago•413 min saved

Smart Food Pairings to Boost Your Nutrient Uptake

Dietitians say you can boost nutrient absorption by smart pairings: combine vitamin C–rich foods with iron-rich plant foods (e.g., strawberries in a spinach salad or a lemon-dressed lentil salad); add healthy fats to meals containing vitamins A, D, E and K (olive oil on salads, seeds/nuts); use spices like black pepper, garlic, and ginger to improve zinc, iron, and curcumin absorption; pair vitamin D sources with calcium (fatty fish with leafy greens) to enhance calcium uptake; and focus on a varied, nutrient-dense diet to maximize the bioavailability of nutrients.

via TODAY.com|

#bioavailability #calcium #health

health22 days ago•7 min saved

Five Under-the-Radar Lab Tests Women 40+ Should Request

Dr. Jennifer Roelands argues that standard wellness panels miss key midlife risks for women and recommends five essential tests: ApoB and Lp(a) for cardiovascular risk; fasting insulin for metabolic health; vitamin D and ferritin for nutrient status; a full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies); and free/total testosterone with SHBG to inform treatment decisions. These tests are not usually part of routine panels but enable proactive, precision care during perimenopause; bring this list to your next appointment or order the tests yourself if necessary.

via MindBodyGreen|

#apob #fasting-insulin #ferritin

health22 days ago•6 min saved

Bones aren’t built by pills alone, major study finds

A BMJ meta-analysis of 69 trials with over 153,000 adults shows that vitamin D, calcium, or both together offer little to no meaningful reduction in fractures or falls for most healthy adults. The findings don’t deem supplements useless but highlight that bone health depends on lifestyle factors—exercise, diet, sunlight, and overall habits—rather than pills alone. Supplements may still be warranted for those with true deficiencies, osteoporosis, malabsorption, limited sun exposure, or specific medical conditions, under a doctor’s guidance. Practical steps to support bones include regular weight-bearing and strength training, calcium- and protein-rich foods, morning sunlight, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and falls prevention.

via The Times of India|

#bone-health #calcium #fractures

health25 days ago•7 min saved

Calcium and vitamin D may not protect aging bones as once thought

A BMJ review of 69 clinical trials with nearly 154,000 participants finds that calcium, vitamin D, or their combination provide little to no protection against fractures or falls in older adults, underscoring that bone health hinges on a comprehensive, individualized approach—stronger emphasis on exercise, nutrition, and safety measures beyond supplements.

via Medical News Today|

#aging #bone-health #calcium

health26 days ago•5 min saved

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Fall Short in Preventing Fractures, Large Review Finds

A comprehensive review of 69 trials with more than 154,000 adults finds calcium or vitamin D supplements, alone, do little to prevent fractures or falls; even combined use yields tiny, likely clinically insignificant benefits (about 1 fewer fracture per 100 people and ~3 fewer hip fractures per 1,000). The benefits may exist in highly deficient or osteoporotic individuals, but for the general population regular exercise, weight-bearing and balance training, and fall-risk reduction remain the best strategy for bone health.

via ScienceAlert|

#bone-health #calcium #falls

health-and-medicine26 days ago•6 min saved

Sunlight Alone Fails to Restore Vitamin D in England's High-Risk Groups

Newcastle University researchers analyzed about 300 people across northern Britain and found vitamin D insufficiency remains common year-round, with summer sun not significantly boosting levels in older adults or those from minoritized ethnic backgrounds, prompting calls for year-round strategies and targeted public health measures.

via ScienceDaily|

#health-and-medicine #minoritized-ethnic-groups #older-adults

$Calcium and vitamin D supplements offer little fracture protection for most adults, big study finds$

health27 days ago•10 min saved

Calcium and vitamin D supplements offer little fracture protection for most adults, big study finds

A meta-analysis of 69 trials with more than 154,000 adults found that calcium or vitamin D supplements, alone or in combination, do not meaningfully reduce fractures or falls; any benefits are small and not clinically significant for the general population, though supplements may help people with osteoporosis or severe deficiency. The study reinforces that regular physical activity, weight‑bearing and balance exercises, and fall-prevention strategies remain the most effective ways to protect bone health.

via The Conversation|

#bone-health #calcium #falls

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Vitamin D: 3 mistakes that blunt the benefits, says heart surgeon

Vitamin D supplements often fail not due to the pill itself but because of three common mistakes: taking it on an empty stomach (fat-soluble vitamin needs fat for proper absorption), using an inappropriate dose without checking blood levels, and overlooking magnesium, which is needed to activate vitamin D. To fix this, take vitamin D with healthy fats, get your blood levels tested to guide dosing, and ensure adequate magnesium intake—results are typically seen in 8–12 weeks.

via The Times of India|

#absorption #dosing #health

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Sunlight, Not Fear: A New Case for More Sun Exposure

Health writer Rowan Jacobsen argues in his new book that regular, safe sun exposure can promote longevity and mood, challenging the era of sun-avoidance and SPF-only skin protection. He points to studies suggesting sunscreen use hasn’t reduced skin cancer risk and notes concerns about certain chemicals in sun products, while vitamin D supplements offer little benefit for those with adequate sun exposure. The recommended approach is modest daily sun with sunscreen only when needed (no higher than SPF 30), avoiding burns, and seeking sun to support blood pressure and immune function; more sun is advised for darker skin and in darker seasons.

via New York Post|

#health #mood #skin-cancer

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Sunlight-Soaked Mushrooms Pack 1200 IU Vitamin D per 100g

To boost vitamin D, expose mushrooms to direct sunlight for 15–30 minutes with the gills facing up; this UV exposure prompts the mushrooms to synthesize vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), potentially delivering up to 1200 IU per 100 g and making mushrooms a stronger vegetarian vitamin D source. Wash and prep before sun exposure to maximize the benefit.

via The Times of India|

#ergocalciferol #health #mushrooms

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Build Bone Health Early to Prevent Osteoporosis

Bone health is a silent but crucial part of wellness: peak bone mass is reached in your late teens to early 30s, after which bone loss accelerates with age and hormonal changes. High-risk groups include postmenopausal women, people with low BMI, smokers, heavy drinkers, sedentary individuals, long-term corticosteroid users, and those with inflammatory diseases. Prevention centers on a protein-rich diet, regular resistance and weight-bearing exercise, and ensuring calcium and vitamin D intake; bone-density scans are mainly recommended for high-risk individuals. Starting bone-health actions in your 20s and 30s helps protect against fractures and bone diseases later in life.

via New York Post|

#bone-health #calcium #health

health-and-medicine1 month ago•6 min saved

Large Review Finds Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Do Not Significantly Prevent Falls or Fractures

A BMJ meta-analysis of about 154,000 adults across 69 randomized trials finds that calcium, vitamin D, or their combination provide little to no meaningful reduction in fractures or falls (including hip fractures); effects are consistent across age, sex, prior fractures, and dietary calcium. The findings call for re-evaluating routine supplementation guidelines and shifting focus to proven fall-prevention strategies such as balance training, resistance exercise, and individualized risk-based programs.

via ScienceDaily|

#calcium #falls #fractures

health1 month ago•77 min saved

Could Hair Loss Signal a Vitamin D Deficiency After 50—and How to Fix It

Many midlife women may have subtle vitamin D deficiency that shows up as fatigue, frequent illness, bone or back pain, muscle weakness, mood changes—and even hair thinning. Restoring vitamin D can improve bone health, immunity, and weight management, with some studies suggesting lower dementia risk when levels are adequate. Boost levels through modest sun exposure (about 10 minutes midday, several days a week), foods rich in vitamin D (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk/yogurt/juices), and vitamin D3 supplements, while avoiding doses above 4,000 IU daily unless directed by a doctor; a blood test is recommended to guide dosing.

via Woman's World|

#bone-health #hair-loss #health