Posted by IsoM on October 31, 2002, at 14:19:32
In reply to Re: Question about light boxes » Leor, posted by Ritch on October 31, 2002, at 12:20:14
Don't get me wrong - it's quite possible that an increase in vitamin D can help with SAD, but I wonder. The study done was so small & brief. Because I'm a small-boned woman who has nursed 3 babies for lengthy periods of time & am mid-menopausal, I take supplemental vitamin D. The standard recommended daily requirement is just 400 IU but recent studies suggest it may be too low. Because other foods may have vitamin D added (like milk & butter) & it's a fat-soluble vitamin that's stored in the liver, doctors are reluctant to suggest higher amounts. But there's proof that higher doses are beneficial for more than just maintaining bone density. It's now known that vitamin D also plays a role in strengthening the immune system by stimulating immunogenic & antitumour activity.
I take 1000 IU daily & have for many years. Toxicity isn't a problem if the amount taken isn't too high.
"Vitamin D 1000 µg (40,000 IU)/day produces toxicity within 1 to 4 mo in infants, and as little as 75 µg (3000 IU)/day can produce toxicity over years. Toxic effects have occurred in adults receiving 2500 µg (100,000 IU)/day for several months." (from Merck Manual, Sec. 1, Chap. 3) This link gives info on vitamin D in easy to undestand wording:
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Supp/Vitamin_D.htmBut despite my intake, I still get SAD every winter. Maybe it would be much worse without vitamin D but I still question that study about D & SAD.
poster:IsoM
thread:125732
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021025/msgs/125956.html