There's a new article up on the Biology site - Vitamins - Vitamin Deficiencies and Disease

It is well-known that vitamins are essential for the development and good health. What problems arise from vitamin deficiencies? Is there such a thing as vitamin overdose?

After you've read the article come on back here to discuss it!

I take daily vitamin supplements - both a general one and a Vitamin C extra one. I also take fiber and calcium. I eat a generally healthy diet but I don't think any diet in a given day can provide you with 100% of your minimum values in every single area, never mind the healthy values!

That's a good point, Lisa. Just a few weeks ago I visited my doctor for some body pain issues and he ordered a complete series of blood tests. As it turns out, I have a major Vitamin D deficiency (unrelated to the problem I was seeing the doctor for). Now I'm on prescription supplements for six months before a re-test.

Previously I would have said I had all the bases covered as far as my vitamin levels went. How wrong I was!

It's so strange about Vit D being an issue - we synthesize that one in the sun! Deb, you even live in CA! Maybe we are all wearing too much sunscreen or indoors too much?

Jilly,

I've done some research on the Vitamin D deficiency and learned several interesting things. One is that the increased use of high level sunscreens, while providing a benefit in terms of cutting down on skin cancers, has resulted in an increase in Vitamin D deficiency. For me, I don't get outdoors enough, and when I do I always wear sunscreen as I have very fair skin.

The other fact I didn't know is that people who are overweight, like myself, have a higher degree of the deficiency. Evidently the more fat cells you have the harder time your body has creating and utilizing Vitamin D.

Who knew!?