It appears that higher blood levels of Vitamin D can lessen the risk of early forms of macular degeneration. The findings were reported in the May 2007 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. This is a very important study and adds to the large body of research that points to the fact that Vitamin D is an essential compound, and low Vitamin D is related to many diseases. Of note, even modest increases in Vitamin D levels showed a protective affect, lowering the risk of macular degeneration by 36%. Most labs list the lower limits of normal for Vitamin D to be between 20 to 25 ng/mL. In this study patients in the lowest level of Vitamin D of less than 16.8 ng/mL had a relative risk of 1.0. Levels between 16.8-21.6 ng/mL had a risk of 0.97, not much difference. At levels of 21.6-27.24 the relative risk was 0.75 or a 25% decrease. From 27.24-33.65 the risk was 0.70, and greater than 35 the relative risk was 0.64 or a 36% decrease.
Now here is what I think is exciting and most significant. Many experts, such as those at the Vitamin D Council are suggesting that all of us should have our Vitamin D levels checked and maintain levels of at least 35 ng/ml and up to 50-80 ng/ml. These levels can not generally be obtained with diet alone and one usually needs supplementation to maintain these levels throughout the year. I would strongly recommend that anyone with macular degeneration have their Vitamin D level checked and work with their doctor to bring their level into the upper end of the normal range. I might also suggest that one might want to read a bit more about Vitamin D at the Weston A price Founation.
Michael A. Mong, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Grapevine Texas
I will be hosting another in a series of teleseminars with Dr. Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., a leading expert in the field of diabetes controll and prevention. Please join us on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM Central for an information packed hour. Sign up to receive information via e-mail on how to join the call at http://www.askdrbernstein.com.
Michael Mong, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Grapevine, Texas
For several years I have been encouraging my patients to consider adding high quality Cod Liver Oil to there diets. In addition to the growing body of evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in reducing ones risk of macular degeneration, Cod Liver Oil is a rich source of natural Vitamin D3. It now appears that there is growing recognition that the common form of Vitamin D that most people are taking, Vitamin D2, is not as effective as the natural form, Vitamin D3. The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Oct;84(4):694-7. "The emergence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D as a measure of vitamin D status provides an objective, quantitative measure of the biological response to vitamin D administration. As a result, vitamin D3 has proven to be the more potent form of vitamin D in all primate species, including humans. Despite an emerging body of evidence suggesting several plausible explanations for the greater bioefficacy of vitamin D3, the form of vitamin D used in major preparations of prescriptions in North America is vitamin D2. The case that vitamin D2 should no longer be considered equivalent to vitamin D3 is based on differences in their efficacy at raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, diminished binding of vitamin D2 metabolites to vitamin D binding protein in plasma, and a nonphysiologic metabolism and shorter shelf life of vitamin D2. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, should not be regarded as a nutrient suitable for supplementation or fortification." I encourage all interested individual to look carefully at their Viatmin D3 intake.
On January 19th I had the pleasure of hosting an hour long seminar with world renowned diabetes expert Richard K. Bernstein, M.D. Dr. Bernstein is likely the leading expert on actually teaching diabetics to obtain and maintain their blood sugar in the normal range consistantly. The seminar covered a wide range of topics and should be of interest to anyone wanting to learn more about diabetes and begin to improve their blood sugar and weight control. You can listen to the teleseminar here. Dr. Bernstein’s books, Audio CD’s, and additional resourses can be found here.
Welcome to Ask Dr. Mong.com. I hope to provide valuable and timely information to promote ocular health and well-being. Please feel free to visit this site often and post comments. I look forward to providing you with information and insights.
