This was recently reported by Laurie Barclay M.D. from Medscape Medical News.

Higher vitamin D levels are linked to a lower risk for female pelvic floor disorders, according to the results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reported in the April issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

“Because vitamin D receptors are present in human muscle tissue, a direct effect of vitamin D on muscle physiology is biologically plausible,” write Samuel S. Badalian, MD, PhD, and Paula F. Rosenbaum, PhD, from SUNY Upstate Medical University and St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, New York. “Thus, it is not surprising that vitamin D deficiency has long been clinically associated with impaired muscle strength and loss of muscle mass. Given that vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency is epidemic among adults, it is plausible that low vitamin D status contributes to the development of poor muscle strength and can lead to different pelvic floor disorders such as urinary/fecal incontinence and POP [pelvic organ prolapse].”

written by Deborah McBain, CNM MSN

Seems I’m hearing a lot more about the importance of Vitamin D in the last few years.  And this time of year as the days shorten and sunshine becomes a rare treat, it is timely vitamin to address.  We have long understood the link between Vitamin D and bone health.  Those of you who remember the practice of giving cod liver oil to children  to prevent rickets are witness to this old-time knowledge.  Cod liver oil is an excellent source of nutritional vitamin D.  Since vitamin D is known to help absorption of calcium, menopausal women often are advised to take it with calcium  to help prevent osteoporosis.  Studies now suggest that Vitamin D does a whole lot more than effect the bones.  Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy are being linked to more preeclampsia, low birth weight and premature labor.  Low vitamin D levels in childhood are now being linked to development of  asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure in later years.     A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that women with vitamin D deficiencies may have more bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection.  Other research links low vitamin D  levels to higher rates of colon and breast cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease,  weight gain and chronic pain. Wow!

Chances are that if you live in Michigan you are vitamin D deficientor at least insufficient.  Your risk is even greater if you are older, dark skinned or cover your skin while outside.  Experts in the medical community generally agree that vitamin D deficiency among women is widespread.  Some predict that as many as  70% of white people and 97% of black people are deficient.   Vitamin D is either synthesized in the skin through exposure to ultraviolet B rays in sunlight or ingested as dietary vitamin D.  However it is difficult for humans to get adequate vitamin D from diet alone.  And our Michigan climate and latitude make it difficult to get enough sun exposure.  Then there is the dilemma of increasing the risk of  skin cancer with sun exposure.  Sun screen blocks the skins ability to synthesize Vitamin D.  What is a person to do?

Get your vitamin D level checked.  Ask your health care provider about getting this simple blood test the next time you go for an exam.

Consider taking a supplement.  There is no general agreement about the optimal intake of vitamin D. Some researchers say the current recommended intake of 400 international units (IU) to 600 IU daily is inadequate and suggest a much higher daily intake, from 1,000 IU to 5000 IU.  Cholecalciferol is the preferred form.   It is easily available in any drug store and not terribly expensive. If your blood levels are low your health care provider may give you with a high dose prescription form of vitamin D.  Experts reassure that it is rare and dificult to get too much Vitamin D but check with your care provider.

Include nutritional sources of Vitamin D in your diet.  Look for vitamin D fortified foods such as milk,cereals, orange juice and yogurt.  Other foods with vitamin D include tuna, salmon, beef liver, egg yolks, cheese. ( and of course cod liver oil if you can stomach it)

Continue limited sun  exposure.  (if you can find it!)  Most experts say that 15-30 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen is reasonably safe.  Getting this amount most days of the week can help boost most peoples vitamin D levels safely.

written by Deborah McBain, CNM MSN