Here is the latest Vitamin D research. If you have dark skin, especially if you live in the northern region, please be aware that you need to supplement Vitamin D even more than lighter skinned people.

Vitamin D is a hormone precursor, not a vitamin, strictly speaking. Vitamin D affects practically every cell in the body. Scientists are beginning to realize that many diseases, including cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, can result from Vitamin D deficiency. The official USDA Recommended Daily Requirement of 400 IU per day is much too low.

http://www.grassrootshealth.net/ is a public service organization set up by researchers from many U.S. and Canadian universities (Canada, being at higher latitude, has even more interest in preventing illnesses that might be related to low light exposure).

http://www.grassrootshealth.net/media/download/garland_vit_d...

http://www.grassrootshealth.net/media/download/disease_incid...

Vitamin D also preserves lung function by inhibiting an enzyme that can damage the lungs.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/6916/title/Food_f...


Personally, I began taking 1800 IU of Vitamin D daily about 2 years ago, due to the information on cancer prevention. I noticed that I didn't get my usual winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It is reasonable that Vitamin D is the link between low light and SAD. Imagine how many people treat the symptoms of a vitamin deficiency with antidepressants. I got a blood test that showed my Vitamin D level just within the acceptable range. This winter, I plan to have the test in February, when stored Vitamin D from the summer sunshine would be fully depleted.

Please share the important information about Vitamin D with your friends and family. The USDA is way behind the curve on this issue.

The Black Nurses Association is one of the many organizations backing this information campaign.

Wendy