Keep Your D Up Over Winter!

Last week we linked to a Dr Richard post about Seasonal Affective Disorder, more commonly known as the winter blues, and how vitamin D supplements can be a used to treat the condition. Dr Richard has now done another post about additional potential benefits associated with vitamin D supplements, including a reduced risk of several types of cancer.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb and maintain the correct amount of calcium in the blood. As well as being linked to seasonal depression, vitamin D deficiency can result in rickets and osteoporosis. One study quoted by Dr Richard found that those with low levels of vitamin D suffered from an increased risk of “colon, prostate, and breast cancer as well as a higher mortality rate from these cancers.”

Vitamin D is found in oily fish and eggs, and is also produced by our bodies in reaction to sunlight. According to Dr Richard, vitamin D deficiency is very common: “it’s estimated “41% of men and 53% of women in America have a deficiency and would benefit from supplements.” Given most of us prefer to remain indoors as much as possible during Beijing’s chilly winters, it seems likely many Beijingers also suffer from low levels of vitamin D. However, Dr Richard recommends consulting with your doctor before taking supplements.