Tired? Muscles aching? Have you had trouble sleeping and just not felt like yourself? You might be deficient in vitamin D. Recent studies indicate that up to 75 percent of the American population may be deficient in vitamin D; a deficiency which has been linked to a plethera of illnesses including the three top killers, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Darker-skinned individuals, older adults, obese individuals and post menopausal women are at  greater risk for vitamin D deficiency. There are vitamin D receptors all over the human body, therefore, it is involved in many biological processes including cell growth, and immune function.

Michael Monte Carlo, M.D., who practices family medicine in West Deptford, New Jersey, says that he routinely checks vitamin D levels in most of his patients on a yearly basis and finds that about 50 percent of them are deficient.

“I believe that the higher incidence is due to multiple factors, but the main factor being related to poor nutrition.  A poor diet that is a diet high in processed foods is low in vitamin D.  People do not consume enough fresh vegetables and fish, both sources high in vitamin D, therefore there dietary intake is low.,” Dr. Monte Carlo said. “In addition, we are seeing a higher incidence because the largest group of the worlds population is aging.  vitamin D production in the skin declines with advancing age, making elderly populations more dependent on dietary vitamin D, which goes back to my first point.  For the average older person, higher dietary intake of vitamin D may be required to achieve normal serum levels.” He added that the increased use of sun block is another factor.

“SPF blocks about 99% of the production of vtitamin D. Also, when you start to tan, the tanning process itself begins to block vitamin D,” Dr. Monte Carlo said.

So what’s a guy to do? Sun block or not? The British may have the answer! “Some of the messages about sun exposure have been too negative,” explained Professor Rona Mackie, from the British Association of Dermatologists, to BBC News. “We’re now saying that exposure of ten to fifteen minutes … without suncream, several times a week is probably a safe balance between adequate vitamin D levels and any risk of skin cancer.” The best time of day for this is between 11:00 A.M and 2:00 P.M

If you are over the age of 50, it may be more difficult for you to synthesize vitamin D in the skin with sun exposure. You may want to opt for a change in diet or supplementation

The Institute of Medicine recommended daily dose allowance is 600 IU and 800 IU for adults over age 70. Many physicians find this threshold too low and advise 2,999 IU. The daily intake should not exceed 4,000 IU per day unless prescribed by a physician. Dr. Monte Carlo prescribes 1200IU of vitamin D2 with calcium for post menopausal woman and for those patients with moderate to severe deficiencies he prescribes 4,000 to 8,000 IU. Depending on the patient, it might be taken daily, 3 times a week, or weekly.

Now, you have a good reason to take that fishing trip you have been wanting to take without guilt; since vitamin D is found naturally in very few foods. Salmon, Mackerel, Blue fish, are some of the best sources.

“A serving of salmon (3.5oz) contains approximately 1400 IU of vitamin D3; this amount remains unchanged after baking, but is decreased by 50% if the fish is fried,” Dr. Monte Carlo said. Cod Liver oil is also a good source of vitamin D  

Another tip, read the labels on your milk and cereal to be sure they are fortified with vitamin D.

Dr. Monte Carlo had more great things to say about the sunshine vitamin. “Vitamin D is very beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, heart disease, cervical cancer, infections. It is also useful in treating rhuematoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes and multiple sclerosis,” he said. “There is really no difference in the effect of vitamin D deficiency between men and women.   In children, (both boys and girls), vitamin D deficiency can manifest itself as Rickets, which presents itself as bowing of the legs.  In adults (both men and women), it can lead to osteomalacia, which presents as a poorly mineralized bone.  Osteomalacia can lead to osteopenia, followed by Osteoporosis.    Adults with a vitamin D deficiency may experience fatigue, headaches, poor sleep quality, chronic muscle aches and pains.”

There are actually a couple of forms of the vitamin, D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is the naturally occurring form of the vitamin and is essential for life. Its molecular structure is similar the body’s steroid hormones, e.g. cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, aldosterone, and testosterone. Cholesterol is the precursor substance for these hormones and for vitamin D3 ,which, though it is called a “vitamin”, is actually a hormone as well . The manufacturing process of the supplement is complex. It typically starts by extracting cholesterol from the lanolin of sheep wool and through a patented purification process, is converted to active D3. This is the form of vitamin D that most physicians recommend . Vitamin D testing is expensive and is not covered by many insurance companies.

“Most people pay for it themselves, “ said Dr. Monte Carlo. He suggests that the price  may come down in the future.

People from all over the world have been fascinated with vitamin D’s healing potential. One woman in London gave vitamin D capsules to her husband who had prostate cancer; and to the amazement of the doctors, he got better! This incident prompted a study which is about to be published in the journal BJU International. Professor Jonathan Waxman, from Imperial College, London . They found that using vitamin D alone, once a day reduced PSA levels (an indicator in the severity of Prostate Cancer) by as much as half in 20% of the patients.

Other studies have also shown that vitamin D holds promise in treating Prostate Cancer. One study conducted at Stanford School of Medicine by David Feldman, M.D., showed that Cancer cell growth in a laboratory dish could by reduced by up to 70 percent when a form of vitamin D called Calcitriol, (available only by prescription), is combined with low doses of over-the-counter-pain killers.  Researchers have discovered that hormones called prostaglandins cause inflammation, and inflammation is associated with cancer growth, as well as other health problems. Calcitriol and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory) drugs both block prostaglandins.

Feldman says there is great enhancement when the drugs are given together but it is difficult to make an exact comparison since they are using cells in a petri dish and not a human.

Dr. Adam Perzin,M.D., a urologist with the Delaware Valley Urology, says that these studies provide great hope for the treatment of Prostate Cancer; but that it will be years before doctors will be able to conclusively prescribe vitamin D and anti-inflammatories as a treatment.

“I don’t want to squash the enthusiasm here, but first, there will need to be animal studies and then clinical trials on humans,” Perzin said. “This study definitely suggests that there may be some benefit and if it is proven that there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and prostate cancer, it would be incredible.”

The department of Preventative Cardiology at Hartford Hospital (Connecticut) is examining the effects of vitamin D supplementation (400IU vs 4,000IU) on blood pressure. The study is seeking men and women ages 18-50 years old with slightly elevated blood pressure (over 120/80), vitamin D deficient (under 20ng/ml), and who are not currently being treated with blood pressure lowering medications. Research participants will receive $150 for their time if they qualify and complete the study. For more information call 860-545-3454.

The following is a list of vitamin D quantities of certain foods reported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data Lab:Courtesy of Dr. Monte Carlo.

Fortified Milk (8oz)–100IU

Fortified Orange Juice(8oz)–100IU

Fortified Cereal(1 serving)–40 to 80IU

Canned salmon (100grams)–624IU                                                                                                Mackerel (100grams)–360IU

Canned sardines(100grams)–272IU

Cod liver oil(1 Tbsp)–1360IU

Shiitake mushrooms dried (4)–249IU

Catfish,cooked(3oz)–510IU

Salmon,cooked(3oz)–360IU

Egg, 1 large (vitamin D found in yolk)–26IU

Smokey

This little kitten was found by a 6 year old girl hiding under a car in a torrential downpour.  The girl’s family took her in only to discover that she had a broken leg.  The family was destitute financially and could not afford even an initial vet visit.  They contacted No Kill Lehigh Valley.  We arranged for them to be seen by one of our participating vets who confirmed that the leg was badly broken.  The kitten was referred to the specialists at Valley Central who greatly discounted the surgery – and provided that cool cast cover.  No Kill Lehigh Valley paid for the $1700.00 surgery and the family adopted this little one as their own.

No Kill Lehigh Valley is a non- profit animal welfare group that fills a very special niche in our community. We provide financial assistance for veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries.  Our goal is to keep companion animals in their homes whenever possible by providing this financial help and other support through our e mail group (nokill.lehighvalley@yahoo.com), website (www.nokilllv.com), and Facebook. 

No Kill Lehigh Valley was founded in 2007 as the result of a growing concern about the high rate of killing at the Lehigh Co. Humane Society.  We believe that no animal should have to die just because it’s homeless.   We support efforts to reduce the  companion animal population through humane measures and to provide people  with the support they need to keep and care for their animals. 

Low cost spay/neuter services are an essential part of this equation.  We support the local low cost clinics and supplement their fees when people are unable to afford them.  Since January of this year we have expended over $13,000.00 for spay/neuter surgeries.  In addition to paying for companion cats to be spayed/neutered, we pay for the surgeries on feral cats through trap/neuter/return programs.  We also believe that companion animals should not have to suffer just because their human companions cannot pay for veterinary care.  So far this year we have provided  over $36,000.00 in veterinary costs.  We have financed  care ranging from kittens with infected eyes to dogs with broken bones who require expensive surgery by a board certified surgeon. 

Our services are desperately needed in these difficult economic times.  People who love their animals suffer terribly when they cannot afford to care for them so, while our main goal is to help the animals, we are helping people too.   While our work is primarily fund raising, we also are involved in making municipal officials and politicians aware of the importance of companion animals and the needs of those who care for them. 

Remember, the most important thing you can do if you care about animals is to make sure your cat(s) and/ or dog(s) are spayed and neutered.

Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinics :

Peaceable Kingdom   610-432-2532 (Allentown)

No Nonsense Neutering  866-820-2510   (Allentown)

Eastern Pa. Animal Alliance   570-994-5846  (Broadheadsville)

If you would like to support our work, you can do so in many ways.  Become a part of our e mail group so that you will be informed about our activities and local animal related issues.  Just send an e mail to nokill.lehighvalley@yahoo.com and we’ll add you to the list.   Suggest/hold  a fund raiser – we’re open to all ideas.  Or, just donate by sending a check to NKLV PO Box 4272 Bethlehem, Pa. 18018 or by Paypal.  All donations are tax deductible and all funds stay right here in our communities to help the animals and the people who love them.

    If you experience food sensitivities, rapid heartbeat, headache, stomach problems or migraine, you may be reacting to MSG in your food, cleaning products, even lawn fertilizers.  Below is an excerpt from the web site Truth in Labeling where you can learn about the toxic effects of MSG.  Also, look for the book, “The Taste that Kills”, by Russell  Blaylock, M.D.

WWW.truthinlabeling.org —

Types of products that contain MSG

In general…

MSG can be used (and hidden) in processed foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and the food that is given to pets and other animals.  It can be used in waxes applied to fresh fruits and vegetables.  It can be used as ingredients in pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and plant growth enhancers — remaining in the edible portion of the plant or on the edible portion of the plant when its leaves, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, and other edible parts are brought to market.

There are over 40 food ingredients besides “monosodium glutamate” that contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Each, according to the FDA, must be called by its own, unique, “common or usual name.”   “Autolyzed yeast,” “maltodextrin,” “hydrolyzed pea protein”, and “sodium caseinate” are the common or usual names of some ingredients that contain MSG.  Unlike the ingredient called “monosodium glutamate,” they give the consumer no clue that there is MSG in the ingredient.

In addition to ingredients that contain MSG, some acids and enzymes when combined with a food that contains protein will produce MSG.  The words “enzyme” and “protease” (which is a type of enzyme) signal the presence of enzymes capable of causing the production of MSG.

In particular…

- Low fat and no fat milk products often contain milk solids that contain MSG. Other dairy products often contain carrageenan, guar gum, and/or locust bean gum. Low fat and no fat versions of ice cream and cheese may not be as obvious as yogurt, milk, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, etc., but they are not exceptions.

- Protein powders and protein drinks contain glutamic acid, and the glutamic acid in the protein powders and drinks will always be processed (manufactured) free glutamic acid (MSG).  Individual amino acids are not always listed on labels of protein powders and drinks.

- At present, there is an FDA requirement to give the name of the protein source when listing hydrolyzed protein products on labels of processed foods.  Examples are hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed pea protein, hydrolyzed whey protein, hydrolyzed, corn protein. If a tomato, for example, were whole, it would be identified as a tomato. Naming an ingredient “tomato protein” indicates that the tomato has been hydrolyzed, at least in part, and that processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is present.

- At present, the FDA requires the disclosure of ingredients labeled “monosodium glutamate” and “hydrolyzed…protein” when, as ingredients, they are used in a “flavor” or “flavoring” (whether or not the “flavor” or “flavoring” is preceded by the words “natural” or “artificial”).  However, “flavors” and “flavorings” can contain MSG in ingredients other than “monosodium glutamate” and “hydrolyzed…Protein” without the MSG being disclosed.

- Disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are relatively expensive food additives that work synergistically with inexpensive processed free glutamic acid (MSG).  We believe that they would only be used if there was MSG in a product.

- MSG will be found in some soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics, where MSG is hidden in ingredients with names that include the words “hydrolyzed,” “amino acids,” and/or “protein.”

- Binders and fillers for prescription and non-prescription medications, nutrients, and supplements, may contain MSG.

- Enteral feeding materials, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.

- According to the manufacturer, Varivax–Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin, both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG).  It would appear that most, if not all, live virus vaccines contain some ingredient(s) that contains MSG.

- There are a number of ingredients identified as organic that, organic or not, will contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG).  Autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, textured soy protein, and anything hydrolyzed are examples of ingredients that may be made from organic produce, but will never-the-less contain MSG.

- Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are potential sources of hidden MSG.  They may also contain aspartame, neotame, of AminoSweet (the new name for aspartame).  We mention aspartame, neotame, and AminoSweet here because they, like MSG, contain a neurotoxic amino acid, and can cause the same reactions that MSG causes.

- Aspartame will be found in some medications, including children’s medications.

- Anything that breaks down the protein in a product can produce MSG as it breaks down that protein. There have been reports of people reacting to meat wrapped in Cryovac. Cryovac is a registered trademark for a thick plastic in which meat is sealed with the air removed by a vacuum pump. The word Cryovac is also used for the thermoplastic resin wrapping film which can be heat-shrunk onto foods.  – Some waxes used on fruits and vegetables contain MSG.

- Produce may have been produced using fertilizer or pesticide products that contain MSG.  Some of these fertilizers may be organic.  It is impossible to know from looking at produce whether or not it has been treated with an MSG-containing fertilizer or pesticide product that leaves residue in or on the produce. 

- Some non-organic waxes used on some fruits and vegetables contain MSG.

- Additional sources of MSG include infant formula, kosher food, enteral feeding products (tube feeding products), dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, protein drinks often recommended for seniors, protein bars and protein powders, vaccines, personal care products, protein powders sold in health food stores, food that is labeled “organic”, wine, food with labels that say “No Added MSG,” “No MSG Added,” or “No MSG” , food that is falsely advertised as containing no MSG, and in food whose manufacturers claim, in response to questions, that their products contain no MSG.

- MSG can be hidden by restaurateurs who claim that the food they serve contains no MSG

About “organic” products…

Where MSG is concerned, “organic” doesn’t mean “safe”.  Ingredients like organic autolyzed yeast and organic natural flavoring have just as much processed (manufactured) free glutamic acid (MSG) in them as those not called “organic.”  Following are products labeled “organic” that have come to our attention as containing processed free glutamic acid (MSG).  There are others.

Product: Vegetable Bouillon
By: Morga
Ingredients include: Yeast extract; Maltodextrin

Product: macaroni & cheese dinner
By: Simply Organic
Ingredients include: Natural flavors; Autolyzed yeast extract

Also listed as organic are fertilizer products that contain hydrolyzed fish protein and hydrolyzed chicken feathers.  All hydrolyzed ingredients contain MSG.

About “Health Food” stores…

Health food stores are mine fields for MSG.  Protein powders are generally nothing more or less than hydrolyzed proteins –and will contain all three manufactured neurotoxic amino acids: glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and L-cysteine.  Food labeled “organic” cannot legitimately contain monosodium glutamate, but can contain other ingredients that contain MSG.  Dietary supplements will often contain individual amino acids (because they can be absorbed by the body more quickly than amino acids found in protein which have to be digested before they can be absorbed); and if dietary supplements contain individual amino acids, those amino acids may be neurotoxic glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and/or L-cysteine, all manufactured in food and/or chemical plants. 

These are the names of some of the MSG-containing ingredients often found in Health Food stores:

amino acids (They almost invariably contain glutamic acid.)
autolyzed yeast
citric acid

glutamate
glutamic acid
hydrolyzed protein
monopotassium glutamate
monosodium glutamate
protein
whey protein concentrate

There are also chelates.  Minerals found individually and in some multi-vitamins, are usually joined to amino acids for better absorption, i.e., the minerals or multi-vitamins are chelated.  The following are names used for chelates that will contain MSG and/or aspartic acid and phenylalanine which are two of the main ingredients in MSG’s toxic cousin aspartame:

amino acid chelate (chelated with amino acids)
potassium (or any other mineral ) citrate
potassium (or any other mineral) aspartate
potassium (or any other mineral) glutamate
chelated with hydrolyzed protein,
chelated with protein
chelated with amino acids

Some supplement manufacturers place asterisks after the names of minerals.  Below the list of ingredients, the asterisk is often followed by a note that explains that the mineral is “chelated with hydrolyzed protein,” “chelated with protein,” or “chelated with amino acids.”

Protein powders are all the rage for body builders and older people.  The main ingredient is typically a hydrolyzed protein — and hydrolyzed proteins contain MSG, excitotoxic aspartic acid (found also in aspartame), and excitotoxic L-cysteine (found in some dough conditioners).  We have concern for anyone who ingests any form of MSG in his or her diet.  We have extreme concern for athletes who ingest MSG just prior to, just following, or in the course of vigorous exercise, because there is evidence that the adverse effects of MSG may be intensified by vigorous exercise.  Heart irregularities have been know to be caused by ingestion of MSG and/or aspartame.  Heart irregularities can result in cardiac arrest.

About hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities…

The most common sources of MSG in hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities will be:

Soups – even if the institution purchases soups and/or soup bases that claim to be MSG-free

Protein drinks such as Boost and Ensure

Enteral care products – used when tube feeding

Gelatin

Gravies

Salad dressings

Intravenous solutions.  Reactions have been reported to saline solution and solutions containing dextrose.  Ringers solution appears to be MSG-free.

Anything no fat or low fat

Anything made with a sugar substitute likely contains neurotoxic aspartame, Equal, or AminoSweet.

People with extreme intolerance to MSG have difficulty with pharmaceuticals that contain MSG in the binders and/or fillers.  They may also react to the starch on powdered gloves and/or the contacts that are glued to a patient’s chest for heart monitoring.  The contact points that touch the body may contain guar gum which, after serveral days’ exposure, may cause adverse reactions.

About pet food…

It’s not only humans that have problems with MSG.  The first evidence of MSG toxicity came from animal studies, some of which demonstrated that animals suffered brain lesions and endocrine disorders when fed monosodium glutamate.  The possibility that your animal is sensitive to MSG is certainly worth considering.  We have received the following from consumers:

________________________

Subj:          Pet Food & MSG

Date:          8/17/2004 1.48:20 AM Central Standard Time

Dear Folks,  would you consider adding an article on MSG in our Pet Food.  Just about all the grocery store dog food and most of the canned cat food has various products with an msg base.  What can we do about this???   Our pets are much smaller than we are and surely this is extremely bad for their small frame.  God help us all.  Also, how about my favorite ice cream which is Haagen Daz.   I eat the simple flavors, Vanilla, Chocolate, Butter Pecan.  I eat it because the original flavors are cream, skim milk, vanilla, chocolate.  Anyways, thank you for being here.  God Bless your work.  M.D. 

 _______________________

From: D
To: adandjack@aol.com
Sent: 1/24/2009 2:07:06 P.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: MSG

Our bichpoo dog (6 yrs) ate some sweet & sour pork (left over from Chinese take out).  Almost immediately he began to exhibit hyperness, running & jumping, and almost seemed to be “high” on something.  He seemed disoriented and didn’t settle down for almost six hours.  The vet said he had never seen a dog show these symptoms from eating food.  Could he be extremely sensitive to MSG or have you ever heard of this in an animal?  Obviously no more people food for Buster.  Thanks

Beyond MSG…

People who are sensitive to processed free glutamic acid (MSG), or those who simply would choose to avoid ingestion of toxic amino acids, need to know that there are two other neurotoxic amino acids commonly used in food: aspartic acid and L-cysteine. Aspartic acid is found in the sugar substitutes called “neotame”, “aspartame”, “AminoSweet”, “NutraSweet” and “Equal.”  L-cysteine is identified as L-cysteine and is most often found in dough conditioners.

No Kill Lehigh Valley was founded in 2007 as the result of a growing concern about the high rate of killing at the Lehigh Co. Humane Society.  We believe that no animal should have to die just because it’s homeless.   We support efforts to reduce the  companion animal population through humane measures and to provide people  with the support they need to keep and care for their animals. 

Low cost spay/neuter services are an essential part of this equation.  We support the local low cost clinics and supplement their fees when people are unable to afford them.  Since January of this year we have expended over $13,000.00 for spay/neuter surgeries.  In addition to paying for companion cats to be spayed/neutered, we pay for the surgeries on feral cats through trap/neuter/return programs.  We also believe that companion animals should not have to suffer just because their human companions cannot pay for veterinary care.  So far this year we have provided  over $36,000.00 in veterinary costs.  We have financed  care ranging from kittens with infected eyes to dogs with broken bones who require expensive surgery by a board certified surgeon. 

Our services are desperately needed in these difficult economic times.  People who love their animals suffer terribly when they cannot afford to care for them so, while our main goal is to help the animals, we are helping people too.   While our work is primarily fund raising, we also are involved in making municipal officials and politicians aware of the importance of companion animals and the needs of those who care for them. 

Remember, the most important thing you can do if you care about animals is to make sure your cat(s) and/ or dog(s) are spayed and neutered.

Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinics :

Peaceable Kingdom   610-432-2532 (Allentown)

No Nonsense Neutering  866-820-2510   (Allentown)

Eastern Pa. Animal Alliance   570-994-5846  (Broadheadsville)

If you would like to support our work, you can do so in many ways.  Become a part of our e mail group so that you will be informed about our activities and local animal related issues.  Just send an e mail to nokill.lehighvalley@yahoo.com and we’ll add you to the list.   Suggest/hold  a fund raiser – we’re open to all ideas.  Or, just donate by sending a check to NKLV PO Box 4272 Bethlehem, Pa. 18018 or by Paypal.  All donations are tax deductible and all funds stay right here in our communities to help the animals and the people who love them.

To view the presentation as a slideshow, click the the third button at the right bottom corner (you can run your mouse over the buttons and it will tell you “Normal”, “Slide Sorter”, and “Slideshow”) it is the button closest to the zoom/page size buttons. Enjoy!

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