Perhaps, the most important source vitamin D is sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands or back without sunscreen is usually enough to provide adequate vitamin D. Also, it is very important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet.
According to the article “Vitamin D Gains Favor as Health Key” by Tim which was posted on February 29, 2004 at www.ruggedelegantliving.com, emerging research indicates that vitamin D is more important to our health than previously thought, leading an increasing number of scientists to challenge whether the fear of sun exposure has made us cover up too much. Doctors are finding an increase in vitamin D deficiencies, even as researchers discover remarkable results from the vitamin that affects nearly every tissue in the body.
Did you know that the best known activity of vitamin D is its role in maintaining the bones? It functions by increasing the uptake of calcium from the intestine through interaction with the parathyroid glands in controlling bone resorption and serum calcium levels. The skeleton is the body’s reservoir of calcium and provides calcium through resorption of mineral when serum levels of this essential element drop. It also increases reabsorption of phosphate by the kidney tubule, and may directly affect the osteoblast, the cell which forms bone.
This might be the foremost reason why the five patients in Buffalo have decided to take a chance on large doses of vitamin D through sun exposure for a longer period. Scientifically, sun exposure has been proven to be one good source of this vitamin that’s why they have recovered easily and said goodbye to their wheelchairs. They can now perform their normal activities without any pain in the soonest possible time.
Imagine how vitamin D has changed the lives of these disabled people. Truly remarkable, right? In recent years, vitamin D has gained increased respect and attention. Its biological role is now known to extend beyond regulation of bone mineralization and serum calcium levels. Research also suggests that vitamin D may help maintain a healthy immune system and help regulate cell growth and differentiation, the process that determines what a cell is to become.
And considering the case of the said Buffalo patients, vitamin D will continue to be an important vitamin to all of us – especially to those persons with disabilities.
