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Vit D - new thread- Your Bones & Muscles Need Vitamin D

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Given the number of posts about fitness and exercise issues and the ongoing effects TKI therapies I thought this article may be helpful. Optimal levels of Vit D3 is not only good for the immune system but also for muscles and bones.... see snippets from the article below

Your Bones & Muscles Need Vitamin D

Vitamin D gained much attention in the early 1900s due to its role in the prevention of rickets. Rickets is a disease originally discovered when a lack of sunlight (resulting in a lack of vitamin D production) led to the softening and weakening of developing bones in young children, as people moved from farms to the cities. Children with vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L) are at risk for rickets, and it is a problem still to this day.

Despite the fact that a vitamin D level of 20 ng/ml is enough to prevent most cases of rickets in children, it may not be enough for other musculoskeletal benefits, as vitamin D also:

  • Influences calcium and magnesium concentrations – both important co-nutrients for muscle and bone development and function
  • Directly stimulates bone mineralization throughout life
  • Improves skeletal muscle function, normal coordination and balance
  • Rebuilds skeletal muscle tissue and reduces inflammation, such as after high impact exercise or injury

Studies have also shown that maintaining a vitamin D level of at least 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L) resulted in a decreased risk of bone fracture and stress fracture. Fast-twitch muscle fibers have been shown to be especially sensitive to vitamin D levels, which are important for burst activities and fall avoidance. Overall, cumulative research has shown that peak musculoskeletal performance may occur with a vitamin D level of at least 50 ng/ml.

Read more here

Thank you Sandy for this informative article. Yes, Vit D RULES!