UC Davis Study Shows Sacramento Residents Are Low In Vitamin D.

UC Davis researchers released a study in December which showed that people with Metabolic Syndrome had significantly lower levels of vitamin D. Metabolic Syndrome is associated with obesity, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, and is becoming more prevalent in our population. It was a surprise to researchers that with the amount of sun we get in northern California, many people, even those without Metabolic Syndrome were clinically low. According to this and other studies, low vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as many cancers. Higher fasting blood sugars, more insulin resistance and increased body fat, all components of metabolic syndrome, are linked to low vitamin D.

Darker skinned people, especially, should have their vitamin D levels tested, as higher amounts of melanin in the skin inhibits Vitamin D production. Researchers believe that may be a reason for higher percentages of African Americans having heart disease and diabetes.

Vitamin D levels can be tested with a simple and inexpensive blood test, and if necessary, supplementation with high dose vitamin D can be prescribed and levels monitored. 

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