Laura I hope you will excuse the delay in posting a reply to your question on observations I had made regarding this subject. I have been sick for the past week, have been at work for the last 2 days and it has left me more tired than usual at the end of the day. I thank you for the opportunity to clarify the post I made. I want to also make it clear that it was not my intention to create propaganda
I want to make it clear that I do believe that the food we eat, and environment that we live in is making us sick and that detoxification of the body from these contaminants is really important, and yes taking supplements are important, I take several myself. I also think that there is a psychosocial aspect involved that is not addressed in the list (and it was my observation of the list that prompted me to make the post). It gives no indication how increased stresses in family and interpersonal relationships, in our working life and the massive amount of sensory stimulus from all the modern technologies that have been created, may also be impacting our immune system and altering the neurochemical balance in the body. I freely admit that I have not read the book and for that reason I can be duly criticized. If a check list is created I think that these factors should also be included to give a more complete and accurate picture and also why he thinks the indicators he has given lead him to the conclusion that it was caused by the specific supplements that he is suggesting. As I stated I have not read the book and some of these issues may have been addressed in the book.
Take for the example the indicators for Vit D deficiency Depression and Dementia which gives the indication of targeting 60+yr old and the use of Vitamin D3 to assist in these conditions the list is as follows:
Have a family history of seasonal affective disorder
Although there may be family indicators for SAD, during the winter months there is less opportunity for social interaction because of changes in the weather, daylight hours are reduced and there are some significant Holidays Thanksgiving, Remembrance day, Christmas, maybe they are unable to share these occasions with other family and friends there may be a loss of a loved one around this time of year, they may no longer be living close to there family.
I have experienced a loss of mental sharpness or memory
This may be caused by medications or drug interactions, (there is strong evidence to suggest that taking Statin medications to lower cholesterol can cause severe memory impairment resulting in loss of cognitive function) they may have an undiagnosed medical condition such as hypertension or diabetes., or there may be an indicator of some infection going on, not all infections have a high fever as an indicator.
I have sore or weak muscles
Again this could be an indicator of electrolyte balance or an indicator of a drug interaction ( some studies have shown that Statin drugs interfere with Q10 enzyme production causing muscle weakness)
I have tender or weak bones (Press shin bones)
The shin bone or tibia is close to the surface and yes pressing on it will cause discomfort and even some pain depending on how hard you press even in a healthy individual.
I work indoors
Unless you have an occupation that requires that you work outside, then I think it is safe to say that most people who work indoors could be lacking in Vitiamin D.
I work outdoors
Because of the increased incidence of skin cancer I do think that more people are covering up when outdoors and in a 60yr old they may have already had cause for concern
I wear sunblock most of the time
For the reason stated above and it is also recommended that wearing sunblock will protect against skin cancer.
I avoid the sun
Again for the increased awareness of the risk of skin cancer, I think that some individuals would avoid exposure to the sun.
I live north of Florida
I don't eat small fatty fish (mackerel, sardines etc)
I have a family history of osteoporosis
I have broken more that 2 bones or had a hip fracture
Although Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium taking it alone is not advisable to assist in the prevention of fractures and taking Calcium/magnesium/vitD is more effective.
I have a family history of autoimmune disease (Multiple Sclerosis)
I could continue with adding more to the list but I think that this gives and example that there are many more factors involved when looking at the list and the taking of Vitamin D as a supplement to assist with these symptoms. I think it is misleading and may not be addressing other more serious contributing factors, I should have pointed out that I think when looking at lists that I think that they cannot be taken at face value and when taking supplements of any kind that we as individuals have to do our own research and find out what works best for us on an individual basis from the indicators given by our own bodies. I know I gave examples of Statin drugs (they are cholesterol lowering medication) and looking at this it may show some bias but in my experience there is a large portion of the population that are taking these medications, the side effects are an area on controversy, they do occur but is not well documented in the medical literature or media.
I do have a background in healthcare. I have been a registered nurse for 35years and have worked in many areas of nursing practise in those years. I have developed a body of knowledge through my own research and observations. I currently work in Residential care and have done so for the past 13yrs,
an area of practise I love, and this is probably why I chose this particular section of the quiz because I do have direct knowledge of Dementia and Depression in the 60+ age group and it is not as simple as just taking Vitamin D. In this area of practise we have to be the eyes and ears in assisting the physician to effectively treat the seniors in our care, we have to be detectives in trying to identify why changes in behaviour are occurring, this maybe due to dietary intake, medications, environmental factors (Laundry detergents, cleaning solutions to clean the area where they live and also the products that are used on there bodies) also interactions with family members, other residents with whom they share there living space with. This is what lead me to believe that there may be misleading information in the lists.
So I hope this gives some explanation of why I made the previous post and why I thought that some of the infomation is not correct.