The Swine Flu and Vitamin D from the Vitamin D council

[fawn]

What follows is the latest newsletter from the Vitamin D Council. Good information to pass on to folks who are afraid of the flu: Now, if any of you know me well, you know vitamin D is non-negotiable for the immune system. Are you and your children taking it yet and if not, ask yourself why not?

September 17, 2009

I’m writing to alert readers to a crucial email from a physician who has evidence vitamin D is protective against H1N1 and to ask you, the reader, to contact your representatives in Washington to help protect Americans, especially children, from H1N1 before winter comes.

Dear Dr. Cannell:

Your recent newsletters and video about Swine flu (H1N1) prompted me to convey our recent experience with an H1N1 outbreak at Central Wisconsin Center (CWC). Unfortunately, the state epidemiologist was not interested in studying it further so I pass it on to you since I think it is noteworthy.

CWC is a long-term care facility for people with developmental disabilities, home for approx. 275 people with approx. 800 staff. Serum 25-OHD has been monitored in virtually all residents for several years and patients supplemented with vitamin D.

In June, 2009, at the time of the well-publicized Wisconsin spike in H1N1 cases, two residents developed influenza-like illness (ILI) and had positive tests for H1N1: one was a long-term resident; the other, a child, was transferred to us with what was later proven to be H1N1.

On the other hand, 60 staff members developed ILI or were documented to have H1N1: of 17 tested for ILI, eight were positive. An additional 43 staff members called in sick with ILI. (Approx. 11-12 staff developed ILI after working on the unit where the child was given care, several of whom had positive H1N1 tests.)

So, it is rather remarkable that only two residents of 275 developed ILI, one of which did not develop it here, while 103 of 800 staff members had ILI. It appears that the spread of H1N1 was not from staff-to-resident but from resident-to-staff (most obvious in the imported case) and between staff, implying that staff were susceptible and our residents protected.


Sincerely,

Norris Glick, MD
Central Wisconsin Center
Madison, WI

Dear Dr. Glick:

This is the first hard data that I am aware of concerning H1N1 and vitamin D. It appears vitamin D is incredibly protective against H1N1. Dr. Carlos Carmago at Mass General ran the numbers in an email to me. Even if one excludes 43 staff members who called in sick with influenza, 0.73% of residents were affected, as compared to 7.5% of staff. This 10-fold difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). That is, the chance that this was a chance occurrence is one less than one in a thousand.

Second, if you read my last newsletter, you will see that children with neurological impairments, like the patients at your hospital, have accounted for 2/3 of the childhood deaths for H1N1 so far in the USA. That is, the CDC knows, because they reported it, that patients with neurological impairments are more likely to die from H1N1.

The problem is that I cannot get anyone in authority at the CDC or the NIH to listen. I need readers to email or call their senators and congresspersons in Washington.



John Cannell, MD
President
Vitamin D Council
585 Leff Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93422

[texastigerlily]

Vitamin D is also known as a deterrent to skin cancer. Getting your daily sun intake is healthy.

[fawn]

Absolutely. Though most of us just don't get enough of it to be protected. I live in California, own a tanning bed, spend the month of Dec. in Mexico and I still supplement.

[Violet Skye]

I'm going to buy some now. I work in a hospital and many of my coworkers are sick with bad colds that just won't go away. If I get sick, I run the risk of passing germs on to my highly-vulnerable and frail mother, who is on dialysis and who I see weekly when I go over to cook for her. This post has the potential to save a life, or at least not put one in jeopardy. Thanks so much, Fawn!

[ctsweetie]

I still haven't taken my Vitamin D and Calcium supplements like my doctor told me to b/c one label says corn starch and another says sucrose so I'm scared to take them. They are made my Natures Made. Anyone have any insight???

[JunkInMyTrunk]

Find another brand. Make sure your brand says vitamin D3. The benefits from the vitamin D far outweigh the negatives of corn starch and sucrose.

I'd get right on that vitamin D supplementation now.

[Kiley2801]

Yep - I just bought some yesterday and started last night. Don't want to take any risks. I also bought some black elderberry extract in case I do contract a flu virus. It's supposed to help shorten the duration of the illness.

own a tanning bed

Do tanning beds supply Vitamin D? And if so, do you think the benefits of receiving it outweigh the risks of skin cancer that they have been proven to cause?

[dixiegal]

I'm a huge fan of vit D, I take 4000 a day and have for about 4 months, that being said I still got the swine flu a few weeks ago.

[fawn]

Yes, just to clarify, D3 (Cholecalciferol) is what you need to get. Carlsons D drops are nice.

Kiley, I have UVB lights in it......yes, I feel safe and the studies done contained a variety of flaws. If you go to Mercola's site, he has the whole low down for your satisfaction ......I don't "tan" per se, I am in there for a short period of time maybe 2 x a week.

The most important factors are over exposure and poor diet (vegetable oils in particular)

Those who use self tanners and conventional sunscreens are at a higher risk due to the parabens and other chemicals.

We are at an all time low for sun exposure yet an all time high with skin cancer......I've satisifed myself with the research

[Kiley2801]

Kiley, I have UVB lights in it......yes, I feel safe and the studies done contained a variety of flaws. If you go to Mercola's site, he has the whole low down for your satisfaction ......I don't "tan" per se, I am in there for a short period of time maybe 2 x a week.

Thanks! That actually makes me feel a little better b/c I used to use the beds semi-frequently in my 20s. In my 30's I've started to worry about how that will affect me.

[Charski]

I quit using sunscreen several years back. I also quit using shampoos with parabens in the ingredients listing. In fact, found a nice shampoo at Whole Foods, it's their 365 brand and it smells like grapefruit! I love it! NO bad stuff in it and it's pretty inexpensive too.

Just spoke with the pharmacist at Pharmaca the other day re: Vitamin D. They get a lot of holistic schooling in that pharmacy. He said that exposing your face, arms, and neck to the sun for about 15 minutes a day can cause your body to produce up to 50,000 iu!

I'm out in the sun MOST days for about that long, but I'm still supplementing with D3. So far so good on any viral problems. I refuse to get ANY flu shot so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my very healthy immune system AND the D3 will keep me out of harm's way through yet another flu season!

[Laurak303]

When the weather is nice enough, i spend about 30-40 minutes in the sun everyday. (nearly naked - :-0 ) i've been a sun lover my whole life. must work. i've never had the flu and rarely get sick at all. - i would NEVER get a flu shot! ( or any other vaccine)
Does your body store vitamin D? if it does, i probably get enough in the summer to last me all winter!

[fawn]

I think it's important for us to remember and reflect on history.

Skin cancer rates have increased with the decrease in consumption of nutrient dense foods. It's all about the health of the cell....and this is what saturates are primarily responsible for.......healthy cellular regeneration.

[ctsweetie]

Originally Posted by dixiegal

I'm a huge fan of vit D, I take 4000 a day and have for about 4 months, that being said I still got the swine flu a few weeks ago.

When you say you are a huge fan of Vitamin D. What are you a fan of? Have you seen any positive results from taking it? Do you feel any different? I just started taking it yesterday along with Calcium b/c my doc. says I'm Vitamin D deficient this is why I ask.

[fawn]

You're taking D3 right? There is a difference between D3 and D2.

Vitamin D is the captain of your immune system.

Here's a small blurb for you......

There is a vast body of science showing the many health benefits of vitamin D. You may be surprised to learn the important role that vitamin D plays in your health.

Maintains Your Calcium Balance
Maintenance of blood calcium levels within a narrow range is vital for normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as for bone growth, and maintenance of bone density. Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body.1

Aids Your Cell Differentiation
Cellular differentiation results in the specialization of cells for specific functions in your body. In general, differentiation of cells leads to a decrease in proliferation. While cellular proliferation is essential for growth and wound healing, uncontrolled proliferation of cells with certain mutations may lead to diseases like cancer. The active form of vitamin D, inhibits proliferation and stimulates the differentiation of cells.1

Boosts Your Immunity
Active vitamin D is a potent immune system modulator. There is plenty of scientific evidence that vitamin D has several different effects on immune system function that may enhance your immunity and inhibit the development of autoimmunity.8

Has a Role in Insulin Secretion
The active form of vitamin D plays a role in insulin secretion under conditions of increased insulin demand.9 Limited data in humans suggests that insufficient vitamin D levels may have an adverse effect on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes.10-12 More studies are needed on the role of vitamin D and diabetes.

Blood Pressure Regulation
Adequate vitamin D levels may be important for decreasing the risk of high blood pressure.13-15 Again, more studies on vitamin D and hypertension are necessary.

Vitamin D and Diseases
According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D may play a role in the following diseases.

Vitamin D and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is most often associated with inadequate calcium intake. However, a deficiency of vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis by reducing calcium absorption.33 While rickets and osteomalacia are extreme examples of vitamin D deficiency, osteopororsis is an example of a long-term effect of vitamin D insufficiency.34 Adequate storage levels of vitamin D help keep bones strong and may help prevent osteoporosis in older adults, in those who have difficulty walking and exercising, in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.35

Vitamin D deficiency, which is often seen in post-menopausal women and older Americans, has been associated with greater incidence of hip fractures.39-41 In a review of women with osteoporosis hospitalized for hip fractures, 50 percent were found to have signs of vitamin D deficiency.35 Daily supplementation with 20 800 IU of vitamin D may reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in elderly populations with low blood levels of vitamin D.42 The Decalyos II study examined the effect of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation in a group of elderly women who were able to walk indoors with a cane or walker. The women were studied for two years, and results suggested that such supplementation could reduce the risk of hip fractures in this population.43

Vitamin D and Cancer
Laboratory, animal, and some preliminary human studies suggests that vitamin D may be protective against some cancers. Several studies suggest that a higher dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D correlates with lower incidence of cancer.44-51 In fact, for over 60 years researchers have observed that greater sun exposure reduces cancer deaths.33 The inverse relationship between higher vitamin D levels in blood and lower cancer risk in humans is best documented for colon and colorectal cancers.44-50 Vitamin D emerged as a protective factor in a study of over 3,000 adults who underwent a colonoscopy to look for polyps or lesions in the colon. There was a significantly lower risk of advanced cancerous lesions among those with the highest vitamin D intake.52

Additional clinical trials need to be conducted to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases cancer risk, or if an increased intake of vitamin D is protective against some cancers. Until such trials are conducted, it is premature to conclude you should take vitamin D supplements for cancer prevention.

Read more about the latest studies involving calcium and vitamin D reducing the risk of cancer

Vitamin D and Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures because many Alzheimer's patients are homebound, frequently sunlight deprived, and older.56 With aging, less vitamin D is converted to its active form. One study of women with Alzheimer's disease found that decreased bone mineral density was associated with a low intake of vitamin D and inadequate sunlight exposure.57 More investigation on vitamin D and Alzheimers Disease is necessary.

Other Diseases Vitamin D Deficiency May Affect
Autoimmune Diseases - Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, are each examples of autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body launches an immune response to its own tissue, rather than a foreign pathogen. Treatment with vitamin D has beneficial effects in animal models of all of the above mentioned diseases. Studies have found that the prevalence of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis increases as latitude increases, suggesting that lower exposure to sun light and associated decreases in vitamin D synthesis may play a role in the development of these diseases.

The results of several studies also suggest that adequate vitamin D intake may decrease the risk of autoimmune diseases. Evidence from animal models and human studies suggests that maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may help decrease the risk of several autoimmune diseases, but more studies are needed to draw any solid conclusions.

Vitamin D and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
The results of epidemiological and clinical studies suggest an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and blood pressure. Data from epidemiological studies suggest that conditions that decrease vitamin D synthesis in the skin, such as having dark skin and living in temperate latitudes, are associated with increased prevalence of hypertension.71 In randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation, a combination of 1,600 IU/day of vitamin D and 800 mg/day of calcium for eight weeks significantly decreased systolic blood pressure in elderly women by 9% compared to calcium alone,73 but supplementation with 400 IU/day or a single dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin D did not significantly lower blood pressure in elderly men and women over the next two months.74, 75 At present, data from controlled clinical trials are too limited to determine whether vitamin D supplementation will be effective in lowering blood pressure or preventing hypertension.

[fawn]

Don't let the cancer research fool you either.......there's a great deal of research out there and soon, you'll be hearing more about it. this is why the recommendation to supplement has hit the media recently. They trickle feed us......

[Magicsmom]

I just want to caution people not to take megadoses of vitamin D3. There is research that points to it triggering inflamatory processes if taken in too high a dose. My doctor had me on 5,000 IU per day, and I developed rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms in my knees. At the same time, my nasal passages became very inflamed and swelled completely shut. My doctor himself is also experiencing symptoms from too much D3, RA type symptoms in his hands. I had to take Prednisone for three months to correct it. My doctor immediately took me off all D3 supplements except for what is in the multivitamin pack I take. I'm not saying this WILL happen, I am saying it CAN happen, and if you get these types of symptoms after being on large doses of D3, this could be the culprit.

[amphigory]

A little bit of a threadjack, but I just bought two big bottles of Vitamin D after putting together that my fastest weight loss was about two weeks after I went camping for 4 days and got LOTS of sun (don't normally get much, if any.) For two weeks thereafter I was losing like 8 lbs. a week with no change in diet etc.

I figured, hey, what can it hurt? And, of course, everyone says I should be taking this anyway.

[ctsweetie]

Originally Posted by amphigory

A little bit of a threadjack, but I just bought two big bottles of Vitamin D after putting together that my fastest weight loss was about two weeks after I went camping for 4 days and got LOTS of sun (don't normally get much, if any.) For two weeks thereafter I was losing like 8 lbs. a week with no change in diet etc.

I figured, hey, what can it hurt? And, of course, everyone says I should be taking this anyway.

How much are you going to take a day???

[12yrslater]

How much D3 would an average adult who doesn't get much sun need? (IU wise?)
How about a toddler and a teen?

[fawn]

Originally Posted by 12yrslater

How much D3 would an average adult who doesn't get much sun need? (IU wise?)
How about a toddler and a teen?

The new recommendations from the Academy of Pediatrics include:

•Breastfed and partially breastfed babies should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life.

•All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are consuming less than one quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.

•Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should receive a supplement containing that amount.

•Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D.


With this, I would recommend 1 drop of D3 drops per child. This is 1000IU and perfectly safe.

To address Magics post, this is why testing and re-testing is important. Never guess, always test. Too many anti-inflammatories can affect the immune response. Especially if you're comromised in some way.

[amphigory]

Originally Posted by ctsweetie

How much are you going to take a day???

The Vitamin D council recommends 5000 IU, so that's what I'm going to start with.

[12yrslater]

Originally Posted by fawn

The new recommendations from the Academy of Pediatrics include:

•Breastfed and partially breastfed babies should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life.

•All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are consuming less than one quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.

•Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should receive a supplement containing that amount.

•Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D.


With this, I would recommend 1 drop of D3 drops per child. This is 1000IU and perfectly safe.

To address Magics post, this is why testing and re-testing is important. Never guess, always test. Too many anti-inflammatories can affect the immune response. Especially if you're comromised in some way.

Thank you

[fawn]

and some more in regards to upper intake levels:

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Vitamin D
Infants 0-12 months- 1000 IU
Children 1-18 years- 2000 IU
Adults 19 years and older- 2000 IU

Vitamin D Drug Interactions
The following medications increase the metabolism of vitamin D and may decrease serum D levels:
Phenytoin (Dilantin), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), phenobarbital (Luminal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and rifampin (Rimactane).

The following medications should not be taken at the same time as vitamin D because they can decrease the intestinal absorption of vitamin D:
Cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), orlistat (Xenical), mineral oil, and the fat substitute Olestra. The oral anti-fungal medication, ketoconazole, inhibits the 25(OH)D3-1-hydroxylase enzyme and has been found to reduce serum levels of 1,25(OH)D in healthy men . The induction of hypercalcemia by toxic levels of vitamin D may precipitate cardiac arrhythmia in patients on digitalis (Digoxin).78, 79

Vitamin D3 Supplements
It is not always practical to get your vitamin D from sunshine, and quite difficult to get adequate amounts from your diet so for many people, a vitamin D supplement is a practical way to ensure adequate levels of this important protector are always available in your bloodstream.

Since a large body of science shows vitamin D works closely with calcium and magnesium, it is best to take your vitamin D in combination with calcium and magnesium to maintain a proper balance. Recent literature also shows most calcium supplements have too little vitamin D to be effective. And some of them use synthetic vitamin D2. A much better form is natural vitamin D3 which stays in your system longer and with more effect.

[dixiegal]

Originally Posted by ctsweetie

When you say you are a huge fan of Vitamin D. What are you a fan of? Have you seen any positive results from taking it? Do you feel any different? I just started taking it yesterday along with Calcium b/c my doc. says I'm Vitamin D deficient this is why I ask.

I take d3,carlsons drops. I notice it helps my moods

[ctsweetie]

Originally Posted by dixiegal

I take d3,carlsons drops. I notice it helps my moods

Cool. I'm hoping it helps mine also.

[Magicsmom]

Originally Posted by fawn

To address Magics post, this is why testing and re-testing is important. Never guess, always test. Too many anti-inflammatories can affect the immune response. Especially if you're comromised in some way.

That explains it. I am immune compromised in several ways, having several auto-immune disorders. It sure affected my immune response, and gave us quite a scare. We thought I had a dreaded auto-immune disease that people die from.

[fawn]

Terry, I have to be extra careful with my step mother. She has RA. By addressing her immune system with say zinc, this could actually over stimulate her immune response to attack herself. I'm very careful again and only have her on cod liver oil. It seems to be working nicely. Have you tried that?

What works for the hearty and healthy could devastate the AI individual.

[Magicsmom]

Originally Posted by fawn

Terry, I have to be extra careful with my step mother. She has RA. By addressing her immune system with say zinc, this could actually over stimulate her immune response to attack herself. I'm very careful again and only have her on cod liver oil. It seems to be working nicely. Have you tried that?

What works for the hearty and healthy could devastate the AI individual.

Yes, I take 8000 mg of fish oil per day, per my doctor's instructions. I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis (in my hips), and that's when they had me bump up my fish oil consumption. He also has me taking Bone Meal with Boron, and I'm also taking Strontium (but never with the calcium, as they oppose each other). We really don't want me to have to go on Fosamax or some other medication. We believe we can use supplements to reverse the bone loss.

[sugarless4life]

Originally Posted by Charski

I quit using sunscreen several years back. I also quit using shampoos with parabens in the ingredients listing. In fact, found a nice shampoo at Whole Foods, it's their 365 brand and it smells like grapefruit! I love it! NO bad stuff in it and it's pretty inexpensive too.

Just spoke with the pharmacist at Pharmaca the other day re: Vitamin D. They get a lot of holistic schooling in that pharmacy. He said that exposing your face, arms, and neck to the sun for about 15 minutes a day can cause your body to produce up to 50,000 iu!

I'm out in the sun MOST days for about that long, but I'm still supplementing with D3. So far so good on any viral problems. I refuse to get ANY flu shot so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my very healthy immune system AND the D3 will keep me out of harm's way through yet another flu season!

Precisely how I feel. I don't use sunscreen either except on my face (my mother had facial skin cancer and I'm not taking any chances there...) I run outdoors year round at least 8 hours a week in the SUNSHINE STATE so I'm positive I get plenty of Vitamin D !!!

Betty