Vitamin D Deficiency: Physician’s Preference Touts Vitamin D as Summer Superhero

Quick tips for a safe, fun summer

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Summer is officially upon us, yet so is an onslaught of conflicting messages regarding safe sun exposure, “natural” sunscreen and vitamin D levels. Confused by all the mixed messages, but intrigued by the hype surrounding vitamin D levels?

“Ironically, as Americans have become obsessed with lathering on sunscreen to avoid unprotected sun exposure, there has been not only an increase in vitamin D deficiencies but also the effects of toxic overload on the human body have been compounded.”

Physician’s Preference, vitamins & supplements, (PPVS) wellness experts have a common goal this summer: to educate Americans on the importance of obtaining optimal vitamin D status as the “sunshine vitamin” is coupled with numerous health benefits, set the facts straight about sunscreen use, and quick tips for increasing one’s vitamin D level.

“Vitamin D deficiencies are rampant amidst our nation and could possibly lead to an increase in the most troubling diseases of our time,” said Steven Hotze, M.D., founder and CEO of PPVS. “Ironically, as Americans have become obsessed with lathering on sunscreen to avoid unprotected sun exposure, there has been not only an increase in vitamin D deficiencies but also the effects of toxic overload on the human body have been compounded.”

Supplementing with vitamin D to reach optimal levels has a wide range of health benefits from the critical role it plays in immune health, even warding off serious diseases including certain types of cancer, to its profound impact on aging and bone health. In particular, vitamin D3, which can help fight colds, the flu, allergies, and even help with inflammation, is normally obtained from the diet or produced by the skin from the ultraviolet energy of the sun.

However, it is not abundant in food. Also, as more people avoid sun exposure, and use sunscreen, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to be even more essential to ensure that the body receives an adequate supply. In fact, according to a recent National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, only 10 percent of the U.S. population has levels that fall within the new recommended range.

The following steps will assist in optimizing an individual’s vitamin D status:

1. Check vitamin D levels. To identify vitamin D deficiencies, see a physician and check 25-OH vitamin D levels. A level below 30 ng/mL is considered deficient and many preventative medicine physicians consider 50-100 ng/mL to be the optimal range.

2. Find the right dose. A safe daily dosage without monitoring vitamin D levels is: 1000-2000 international units (I.U.). However, if a person is vitamin D deficient, and needs to take a higher dose, their levels need to be monitored regularly by a physician.

3. Look for vitamin D3, not vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is the most active form; it’s the same type the skin produces naturally from ultraviolet sunlight.

4. Educate yourself beyond the basics. “Health & Wellness Solutions” radio program recently welcomed vitamin D expert Dr. Marc Sorenson on its show. To learn more about the benefits of vitamin D, the segment is available on podcast.

For more information on vitamin D supplementation, or to take an online vitamin test, please visit drhotze.com , or visit: physicianspreference.com.

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