A new consensus of scientists have now confirmed that there is one common factor to almost all people that suffer from arthritis and backaches, as well as osteopenia and osteoporosis and that is a shortage of vitamin D.

Researchers have now established that many people who suffer from rheumatic pains are deficient in Vitamin D.  Vitamin D is derived from sunlight, fish oil supplements, cod liver oil, and consumption of fatty fish such as: salmon, tuna, mackeral, and haddock.

The researchers tested vitamin D levels in 231 patients in a hospital in Cork, Ireland and found that over 70% had low levels of the vitamin and 26% were severely deficient.

A severe deficiency can result in inflammatory joint problems, rheumatism, arthritis, chronic backache, and osteopororsis while a mild to moderate deficiency could cause general non-specific aches and pains.

Your question is how much D should one take...that must be based on a blood test since there is an incredible amount of variation from person to person...that also stands for remedying deficiencies.

Cost for a vitamin D panel is over $240, and may not be covered by insurance in many cases.  I have begun offering a vitamin/mineral/antioxidant panel for $350 by Spectracell Labs which evaluates levels of all important nutrients and provides sophisticated information on diet, and supplementation.  Blood draws will be offered by appointment at our office on some Friday mornings.  For more information please contact me at: 847-577-4455, or by email docTaryn@aol.com.

Have a great week!

Taryn DeCicco, LDN, ND, LAc

PS: The office will be open next week  I will close at 11:00 AM on Wednesday but will be in normal hours on Friday and Saturday!