Vitamin D and Stroke Risk

Now from the journal Stroke, a study from the famous Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program that followed over many years several thousand Japanese-American men living on Oahu, beginning in 1965.  A recent study of stroke outcomes has found that men with DIETS rich in Vitamin D had a 27% reduction in stroke risk, after adjusting for all the other usual suspects (smoking, cholesterol, etc etc).  
Not a clinical trial, but the measurements of diet were well done. Unless Japanese men are so different from the rest of us that we can't generalize, the study is highly suggestive of causation. 
I haven't read the full article, cause I don't have access to Stroke and don't want to pay for an article that should be in the public domain (since the public undoubtedly funded the original study).  But 27% risk reduction in a common source of death and disability isn't something to be ignored.  
To paraphrase my old Turkish friend Isik, "What if it works?"

LWV should look into transparency of Fracking information

Here's something for a League of Women Voter's initiative to tackle! From ProPublica:   Fracking industry is pushing for legislation that would muddy the information about the chemical composition of fracking materials.  Where is transparancy?  (Not in the water?  Not in the government?)

More on Vitamin D and Alzheimers

This study was just reported and commented on by the Vitamin D Council's Newsletter.  It's French.  They aren't so different. Bottom line -- those with high intake of Vitamin D - sunshine - omega3 fatty acids, or some combination of the above, had lower risks of Alzheimers 7 years later.  To paraphrase President Obama (who was speaking about energy policy), What's not to like ALL OF THE ABOVE?

Vitamin D supplements in Prostate Cancer

The latest newsletter of the Vitamin D Council pointed to a small study of Vitamin D3 supplementation for a year in low-grade prostate cancer.  It showed that at 4000 IU per day, the markers of cancer severity actually regressed.  But,..there were only 44 subjects in the study.  So, this is merely subjective.  Still, there is little to be lost in supplementing at 4000 IU.

For Maryland Residents: How to Contact your Rep in Annapolis

Here is the source of all state officials for each residence.  Find your State Representative  Easy... I just wrote all my legislative reps about the travesty now unfolding in the legislature to privatize state assets, setting in process an invitation to official corruption.

Vitamin D and Alzheimers- Now we're REALLY getting serious!

Here's a piece from the National Library of Medicine's Medline news digest about D3's ability to clear amyloid beta from the brain.  Yeah, really, and turmeric too.  Ever cooked with turmeric?  Me, neither.  Makes me want to take a course on South Asian cuisines.

Jane Brody reviews evidence on Vitamin in NY Times today

It's hard for me to believe that Jane Brody is still writing columns, as she was a fixture way back when.  Maybe she takes Vitamin D supplements (ha ha).  Anyway, here is a link to her review of current issues in Vitamin D, in today's New York Times.