Vitamin D3: H1N1 Flu, Depression, Autism

Vitamin D3 Needs Attention On Several Levels

Just take the time to go through these many Vitamin D3 links, and do watch this video by Dr John Cannell. We have been hearing about the importance of D3 with depression for years, and know that it is directly connected with good thyroid function.

Harvard is now signing off on D3 for Autism, and the tide is dramatically changing from the time several years ago when I first began writing about it at CorePsych Blog, and testing our patients at CorePsych and at Parker, Schlichter & Associates in Va Beach.

Swine Flu Update on D3

Now, with the forthcoming flu season, new information and Swine flu and D3 concerns for families, children, schools and the workplace, it seems like a good time to review the D3 details.

Do pass this post along to your family and workplace colleagues, and if you are in the medical field share this with your charges. And while you’re at it, read this: it will direct you to an important review of why D3 over D2 – since that choice is a frequent question. A few summary details from this comparison piece:

The two calciferols [D2 & D3] produced similar rises in serum concentration of the native vitamin, indicating equivalent absorption. But while both produced similar initial rises in serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D over the first three days, serum 25OHD fell rapidly in the D2 treated subjects and was not different from baseline at 14 days. Meanwhile 25OHD continued to rise in the D3 treated subjects, peaking by 14 days and continuing to remain high. Calculating the difference in potency by measuring the area under the curve revealed an even greater difference with D3 more than nine times more effective than D2.

And, just in case you were wondering, you can safely give it to children:

Infants and children under the age of one, should obtain a total of 1,000 IU (25 mcg) per day from their formula, sun exposure, or supplements. As most breast milk contains little or no vitamin D, breast-fed babies should take 1,000 IU per day as a supplement unless they are exposed to sunlight. [The only exception to this are lactating mothers who either get enough sun exposure or take enough vitamin D (usually 4,000–6,000 IU per day) to produce breast milk that is rich in vitamin D.] Formula fed babies should take an extra 600 IU per day until they are weaned and then take 1,000 IU a day, as advised below.Children over the age of 1 year, and less than 4 years of age, should take 2,000 IU vitamin D per day, depending on body weight, latitude or residence, skin pigmentation, and sun exposure.

Be well this winter, physically and psychologically. Test your Vitamin D3 – your GP, your Primary Care doc is likely on top of the testing. But don’t have them write for the D2 as mentioned in these articles.

Best wishes for a healthy winter season.

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