This recent blog entry from a cardiologist explains that he is
using a maximum of 600mg a day of calcium for his patients who take high dose supplemental Vit D:

http://www.trackyourplaque.com/blog/...vitamin-d.html

He says also, people may not need calcium supplements at all since Vit D improves calcium absorption from food.

From University of Oxford:

http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2010/240810.html

Very compelling new genome data posted on Aug 23, 2010

This is a very important article and I suggest interested readers here check it out!

Very interesting. But does anyone else get frustrated at all the differing reports and studies. One minute they tell us that taking high doses of vitamins is a waste of time. Then they say it's good. It's like we were always told how important it was to eat at least five pieces of fruit and veg a day. And then a couple of months ago a new study proved that it really makes very little difference.

Vitamin D is not really a vitamin. It is only historically called one.

from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240026/

The current research into Vit D has changed our understanding of how this substance works in the body, and how adequate levels can prevent serious illnesses. So old thinking at least for this "vitamin" is out the window for now.

Not sure where this goes...but this is probably at least fairly appropriate.

I am once again watching my calories, etc. and trying to lose a few pounds. I am using a computer program to track all my foods and exercise.

For the past two weeks, I have eaten what I think is very appropriate and very healthy.
The program also tracks nutrition.

I have been eating lots of vegetables (all kinds), chicken, fish, hummus, organges, oatmeal, beans, salads, fresh peanut butter, yogurt, etc.

I just looked at my nutrition averages....several seemed healthy (near 100%), a few seemed mediocre. But what stood out by far was VITAMIN D. It barely registered on the chart...like 1% (again barely).

I supplement D3 and have been tested and all is well. I do belive I have felt better since supplementing with this.

Anyway, just thought I would mention that even eating in a very healthy manner does not seem to help us take in the D3...perhaps it only comes from the sun????

AND I personally am trying to avoid excessive sun exposure. This certainly isn't a nutrient coming from our food....

A quick google search revealed that some mushrooms and some fish might have a certain amount of VIT D in them.

Suppelmentation seem important to me.

Here is an article about a Japanese study using D3 in children, and incidence of flu:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62I3MK20100319

D3 reduces incidence of type A flu and reduces asthma in children.

Here is a link to a new study, which refutes the new Vit D information coming out from many other sources:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101130/...beat_vitamin_d

Already we have the media swarming all over it.
NPR
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/29/131668...d-on-vitamin-d

CNN
CBS news all today. None explained that Vit D is not a Vitamin and all suggested to get Vit D from diet...which is practically impossible.

You see the research in the OTHER direction, got NO coverage.

The more TV/media coverage, the more suspect the study IMO.
It suggests to me Big Pharma bucks behind it all. Big Pharma pushes every button they can so people will not take control of their own health. Big Pharma wants you to be sick so you will use their drugs. They are also lobbying to have supplements more strictly controlled.

I think this article is laughable.

With Statins for example when the Zocor and Pravachol patents were expiring...they had articles in TIME and NEWSWEEK suggesting statins are so safe, they should be taken by everyone --even those without elevated cholesterols. And should be put in our drinking water! Given to our children too!

Here are some other links:
http://www.usnews.com/science/articl...gets-increased

And from D-Action:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grassr...n/198626816074

that's hilarious, only because when i did a study and i took statins as part of it
, i had a side effect, called insomnia, which only happens in some.

Here is an interesting factoid:

http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Diet...Vitamin-D.aspx

In order to read the whole report you have to PAY for it!
No wonder the media are getting it all inaccurately.

http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Diet...Vitamin-D.aspx

And it is not affordable for the public at $78.50 for a PDF!

Some excerpts are available like this dose chart:
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Diet...RI-Values.aspx

And this is a summary of the report:
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Diet...ort-Brief.aspx

I think this is totally unbelieveable!

This is who:

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Medicine

So it is similar to the current situation at the FDA.... which is:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontl...dependent.html