How Much is Enough? Vitamins and Supplements

We have been seeing much about the need for many Americans to take vitamin D supplements. This raised AITSE Consortium member Dr. Crocker’s suspicions for a number of reasons. First, as a cell biologist, she is well-aware that our cells are very capable of converting cholesterol to vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. As an American living in California, she knows that she is continuously advised to avoid sunlight and wear sunscreen. And, as if that were not enough, Americans are also told to reduce dietary cholesterol and are often given cholesterol-lowering drugs. Now we are being advised to take mega-doses of vitamin D to make up for a deficiency that might well be caused by our own actions.

But, wait a minute! Vitamin D is not water-soluble. In other words, our bodies are unable to quickly eliminate it. In addition, it is classified as the MOST TOXIC of the vitamins; overdose can lead to anorexia, nausea, weakness, itchiness, nervousness, kidney failure and cancer. On the other hand, vitamin D is needed for normal bone growth, maintenance of body calcium levels, immune system function, and neuromuscular health.

Recently, articles have been published claiming to link vitamin D deficiency to autism, breast cancer, asthma, heart attacks and more. So, what is the truth? Well, we need to do the research and make up our own minds. AITSE’s suggestion is that we just use a little less sunscreen, eat a little more fish, and enjoy some butter on our wholewheat toast.