Health claims about vitamin D examined

Rarely a month goes by without the papers reporting at least one health news story related to vitamin D. In recent weeks the media has reported that vitamin D can help relieve the symptoms of asthma and lower blood pressure. There have been long-standing claims that vitamin D brings a wide range of benefits, from preventing cancer risk to improving mental health, or even reducing your risk of getting multiple sclerosis. But is there good evidence to back up the claims? And do you need to change your diet or take vitamin D supplements to reduce your risk of disease?   What is vitamin D? Vitamin D is a group of related molecules that the body needs to help absorb calcium and phosphate. These are substances that help keep the bones healthy and strong. Vitamin D is somewhat unusual in that we obtain it from two difference sources: sunlight dietary sources   How much sun is needed to get enough vitamin D? When the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet B contained in sunlight, it generates the production of vitamin D. Most people generate around 90% of the vitamin D in their body from sunlight. Your sunshine requirements differ depending on factors such as your skin tone and your weight. A 2010 consensus statement on vitamin D (PDF, 126.69kb), released by a combination of charities, recommended a "little and often" approach. It says regularly going out with sunscreen for a few minutes in the middle of the day should provide enough exposure to create s...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Medical practice QA articles Special reports Source Type: news