26 October 2011
The average total vitamin D intake of Spanish women in menopause is only 39% of the recommended intake, says a new Spanish study.
In the observational study, the dietary habits of 3,574 women between the ages of 45 and 68 were documented (1). The study results showed that the women received the recommended intake of all the vitamins via food and/or supplements, with the exception of vitamins D and E. The average total intake of vitamin D was 2.14 micrograms per day, which is just 39% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for women of this age group. None of the women reached the RDA of 50%.
The researchers commented that the findings were striking and that the very low intakes could indicate that the women have a low vitamin status. However, it would be necessary to measure the blood vitamin concentrations before such a speculation could be confirmed.
7 September 2009
Even though antioxidant supplements might not cut the risk of metabolic syndrome in healthy people with no major risk of micronutrient deficiencies, low concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin C were associated with an increased risk of the disorder, according to a new study.
17 June 2010
Higher blood levels of vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of lung cancer by about 50 per cent, says a new French study.
20 January 2009
According to a U.S. survey, individuals with low vitamin D blood levels have a higher risk of nose and throat infections. In a secondary analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a survey of the U.S. population, found that individuals with low blood levels of a vitamin D marker (25-hydroxyvitamin D) were also more likely to have an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Specifically, the analysis found that compared to those with levels greater than 30 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml), individuals with less than 10 ng/mL had a 36% higher risk of having a recent URTI; those with 10–<30 ng/mL had a 24% higher risk (1). In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has reemerged, resulting in the resurfacing of diseases such as rickets in children. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, “Older adults, people with dark skin, and people exposed to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (i.e., sunlight) should consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.” The researchers commented that the evidence supporting the benefits of vitamin D continues to build. Given that vitamin D levels are relatively low in most foods and there are serious risks associated with excessive sun exposure, dietary supplements can be an effective alternative for achieving a sufficient intake. However, this study on its own does not mean that higher vitamin D intake will ensure prevention of upper respiratory tract infection. 1.Ginde A. et al. Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009; 169 (4):384–390.
