Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin”, forms the core of one of the longest fortification stories in the nutritional sphere. New research continues to support the ever-wider benefits for the vitamin.

The naysayers continue to attempt to disagree with research results.

Why are we so hesitant about embracing the benefits of vitamin D to our patients?

If you really, really want to understand the role of vitamin D, then read about Dr Michael Holick’s work in this area.

Might I also refer you to a few of the latest findings over the last few weeks:

• Vitamin D supplementation should start at birth. Paediatric Research Vol 76
• Vitamin D supplements may protect against cardiac failure in older people. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• Vitamin D levels linked to cancer survival rates. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
• Low vitamin D boosts Alzheimer’s risk. Neurology Aug 2014

And the list goes on!

Our patients read these reports in the general media, and I’m astounded by the number of comments I get that “my pharmacist hasn’t read that”.
Our patients don’t actually care about what you’ve read or have been interested in..……..they want clarification of their expectations.

Move out of dispensing mode, get informed about what actually concerns our patients, and the world will be a better place.

Dr Holick talks about sufficiency and insufficiency.

It makes sensible reading.