Vitamin D deficiency linked to cancer, auto-immune diseases

http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/cf/slideshows/10-facts-about-vitamin-d-and-rheumatoid-arthritis/vitamin-d-deficiency-affects-genes-for-cancer-autoimmune-disorde/?ap=825

A recent study has linked vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk for cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis MS, and lupus. Researchers found, through mapping vitamin D receptor binding throughout the human genome, that vitamin D deficiency is a major environmental factor in increasing the risk of developing these disorders.  And 70 percent of children and adults in the US are vitamin D deficient. The cause of deficiency is a combination of not enough sun exposure, and a diet low in vitamin D.  Vitamin D3 is the recommended kind to take.  (See Dr. John Cannell speaking about Vit. D benefits at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--NqqB2nhBE)  Dr. John Prendergast speaks about the benefits of Vitamin D at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdLNMEXWTL8 )
 
Vitamin D plays a role in managing musculoskeletal pain from rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. It's common for people who live with chronic pain to have a vitamin D deficiency, and for doctors to routinely check their patients and offer Vitamin D supplements as part of the treatment plan.  Hydroxychloroquine, or Plaquenil, and corticosteroids, which both can be prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can affect your Vitamin D levels by preventing absorption. Even if you are taking one of these drugs, your doctor can adjust your vitamin D dose to correct the malabsorption.  You can ask your doctor for a simple blood test called, 25-hydroxy vitamin D test.  There is no one-size fits all solution for taking vitamin D, how much you need depends on how deficient you are, which medical condition you have, etc. It is usually recommended that you supplement by adding 1-2,000 IU of vitamin D per day. (Note from Eileen:  Many doctors recommend much more -- I take 6,000 IU a day.   In the winter months Vit. D levels go down by 1/3). 

Liquid forms are better.  This is because the liquid form has better absorption rates and are therefore recommended above vitamin D tablets. You can find liquid form in most health food stores. Or you can take the liquid in capsule form.  Not only does vitamin D play a crucial role in the absorption of calcium, but it staves off osteoporosis, which can be a risk for people with RA. It also protects those susceptible to seasonal affective disorder from becoming depressed.  Vitamin D plays a role in managing musculoskeletal pain from rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. It's common for people who live with chronic pain to have a vitamin D deficiency, and for doctors to routinely check their patients and offer Vitamin D supplements as part of the treatment plan.