Don’t Take Vitamin D or Calcium

By Candace McNaughton, ND

Sometimes when research is summarized to one sentence, the message is skewed.  The US Preventative Services Task Force has issued a draft statement saying that vitamin D and calcium should not be taken by healthy men or post-menopausal women to reduce fractures and that it may not prevent cancer.[1]  The evidence is mixed and many-layered, but because we are trained for take-home messages and sound bites, many will simply conclude “Don’t take vitamin D or calcium.”

Actually, they say that they can’t recommend for or against it.  More specifically, they say that 400 IU of vitamin D3 and 1000 mg of calcium carbonate don’t reduce osteoporotic fractures in men or postmenopausal women living at home as much as those living in facilities.  However, the risk is reduced in those living at home.  I think the difference could be because of missed doses. Although D3 is considered to be the active form, some studies use D2. Also, 400 IU of D3 is not a very high dose.  Calcium carbonate is the poorest absorbed form of calcium.  Bone density is best supported with a combination of well-absorbed calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K, other minerals such as strontium and boron, and weight-bearing exercise. The task force reviewed 19 randomized trials and 28 observational studies (for cancer outcomes).  There are close to 18,000 studies that focus on vitamin D.

The task force reports that there is evidence of decreased risk of cancer, but found some evidence that high blood levels may be associated with an increased risk of cancer. A simple, inexpensive blood test that we commonly run here at Glow can make sure your blood levels don’t get too high. However, there is some evidence that higher blood levels may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

There is clear evidence that people with low blood levels of vitamin D have increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.  Further, some studies show that supplementing with vitamin D reduces risk for heart disease and diabetes, while some don’t.  The blanket conclusion from that research is “vitamin D does not prevent heart disease or diabetes”. I am not sure the answer is that simple.

Auto-immune disorders such as hypothyroidism or multiple sclerosis are skyrocketing in this country. Auto-immune disease-related deaths come only third to heart disease and cancer.^[2]  Many diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, are mediated by inflammation.  Vitamin D reduces auto-immunity and inflammation.[3]  A deficiency turns up auto-immunity and inflammation.

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Welcome to Glow, Candace McNaughton, ND

Trained as a family practitioner to address acute and chronic conditions, Dr. McNaughton specializes in allergies, autoimmune disease, and digestive issues.  She facilitates healing as a knowledgeable guide and partner, helping her patients make lasting changes and achieve health goals.  Her patients are motivated and are active participants in their healing process.

Dr. McNaughton holds your comprehensive medical record and helps you to coordinate care with other practitioners.  Her treatment approach is to remove obstacles to cure and improve the functioning of the body so that disease cycles are stopped or slowed.  Treatments can also minimize the side effects of medications and improve their effectiveness.  History, labs, and diagnosis are the same as conventional doctors. Therapeutics are natural medicine.

Dr. McNaughton’s patients feel heard and thoroughly cared for.  They feel safe, accepted, and respected, whether they share aspects of alternative lifestyles or “slip-ups” from the treatment plan.  Her patients appreciate finding ways to practically achieve recommendations rather than only following protocols. Instead of simply telling patients what to do, she works with them to plan how they can institute change.

Therapeutics used:

• Science-based herbal medicine
• Diet and nutrient therapy
• Detoxification
• B12/B Complex injections
• Antibiotics or hormones if necessary
• Medical cannabis evaluation

Dr. McNaughton completed her pre-medical education at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.  While there, she ran a natural health interest group; arranging for a variety of professionals to speak as well as giving several talks.  She graduated from Bastyr University’s naturopathic medicine program in 2003.

Dr. McNaughton is an experienced writer and speaker, giving talks at libraries, schools, community centers, support groups, and natural foods markets.  She published a front page article on acid/alkaline balance in the PCC Sound Consumer.  She spoke on natural medicine quick fixes at IgniteSeattle, a fast-paced event where speakers are given five minutes and auto-advancing slides.  She has been a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians since 1998, and spoke at their 2005 convention.  She has twice appeared on SCAN TV’s Being in Seattle with Rosemary Broccoli, and on KYPT Radio’s Northwest Point of View with Anita Mofitt.

In 2009, Dr. McNaughton completed a three-week academic and practical intensive in traditional and institutional medicine with Spanish immersion in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  She has facilitated a Spanish conversational group since 2005.  Her personal interests include yoga, hiking, and travel.

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