Vitamin D: the surprise powerhouse

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-vitamind12jun12,0,1845578.story?track=tottext

VITAMIN D: THE SURPRISE POWERHOUSE
Wonder pill. Really.
As D's benefits become clearer, we're urged to get more -- much more -- of it.
By Chris Woolston
Special to The Times

June 12, 2006

EVEN the most brazen snake-oil salesman might blush at trying to sell the public on a pill to ease aches and pains, strengthen bones, slow down cancer and prevent diseases as varied as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.

But these claims aren't the frothy hyperbole of a sideshow huckster. A growing number of serious scientists are quite willing to speculate that a single compound may be able to accomplish all of these feats — and possibly more. They're not talking about a new miracle drug, but a common nutrient: vitamin D, "the sunshine vitamin."

Once seen as merely a defense against rickets, vitamin D has in recent years gained recognition as a major force that acts throughout the body. It improves absorption of calcium, controls the growth of cells (both healthy and cancerous), strengthens the immune system and seems to rein in overzealous immune system cells that cause diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Much of vitamin D's potential is still just that: potential. But at this moment, to some scientists the potential looks huge. "Even if two-thirds of these things don't pan out, it's still a blockbuster," says Dr. Robert Heaney, a professor of medicine at Creighton University in Omaha, who specializes in osteoporosis.<snip>

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Thanks for posting.

[papau]

3. One more bottle of pills on the shelf! :-) n/t

n/t

[BrklynLiberal]

6. I have the Vit D, and this reminded me to run into the kitchen and take my

vitamins today!!!!

[rodeodance]

2. I read an article a few years ago about the good stuff and Vit D.

[ThomCat]

4. Time to spend some time in the sun.

[Richard D]

5. One good thing about vit d dosing

is that you don't have to do it daily. You can take 7 pills once a week for example.