Vitamin D Absorption

This Grassroots group is well founded intellectually and academically. They are launching a very good study to find out about the dynamics of vitamin D absorption and many other questions about longer, larger doses of Vitamin D. They are loosely linked with UCSD and many other academic institutions.

I would urge all of you to get involved with your own Vitamin D sample and join in the project. The more subjects involved the better the outcomes of this study. It’s fun to see your own blood in action. It’s great to be involved. Be a part of something really interesting. It’s your time!
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Your most recent vitamin D message is a perfect lead-in to suggesting that people interested in knowing and helping others know about the effects of vitamin D dosages, the serum levels and their associated health benefits should consider enrolling in our D*action study. As we have mentioned before, our study aim is to get the population serum levels to a suggested 40-60 ng/ml and find out what dosages it takes to get people there and, of course, the associated health effects. For anyone of your group who is trying to find the best solution for them, we would encourage them to take part in this international study. Just log on to www.joindaction.org

It is a 5 year prospective study where each 6 months each participant does a vitamin D test (with a blood spot test kit they can do at home; the cost is only $40.00) and enters some health data into an on-line questionnaire.

Since January, we already have over 2000 people enrolled and we'll be adding a very large (10,000) contingent from Japan starting in July.

One of the very interesting things that has already been demonstrated with the group we have is that for a given dose (say 5000 IU/day), the effect on the serum level varies at least 2 fold. We have people whose serum levels at that dose are 30 ng/ml, we have other at the same dose with a serum level of 80 ng/ml. This is true no matter what the dose.

There is considerable variation which is why a 'common' dose is not appropriate. We will be looking at some summary health effects later this year after we have a large enough population who have had 2 tests.

All are invited to participate! (Any other clinics who want to have their members participate are also welcome.) All participation is greatly valued for its help to everyone as well as to individual participants. This group is helping lead this health revolution!

Please feel free to use any part of this memo to your group.

www.joindaction.org

Sunnily yours,

Carole Baggerly
Director
GrassrootsHealth
A Public Health Promotion Organization
www.grassrootshealth.net
carole@grassrootshealth.org