The Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Food and Nutrition Board recently released a report claiming the only evidence for the benefit of Vitamin D that they could document was the improvement of bone health.

This report is shocking because "there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of studies showing that Vitamin D benefits dozens, if not hundreds, of clinical conditions", says Dr. Joseph Mercola.

Dr. John Carnnell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, expresses his concern about this recent development saying, "these recommendations do not take into account the amount of Vitamin D you need to prevent influenza, heart or liver disease, respiratory infections, cancer or any of the other numerous diseases that have a clearly documented link to Vitamin D deficiency."

Benefits Of Vitamin D

There is a long list of benefits to adequate levels of Vitamin D.

1. Improved bone quality

2. Improved general immunity

3. Skin quality--useful in maintaining healthy skin

4. Helps lower blood pressure

5. Reduces certain risk of cancer

6. Reduces tumor growth

7. Decreases risk of MS

8. Is a key co-factor in regulating inflammation throughout the body.

"Vitamin D also acts as a potent natural antibiotic by increasing your body's production of a protein called antimicrobial peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides destroy the cell walls of bacterias, fungi and viruses, including the influenza virus which explains why it is such a potent prevention strategy against cold and flu, states Dr. Joseph Mercola."

Sadly, none of these findings appear to have been considered by the Institute of Medicine's Vitamin D panel.

Dr. Carol Baggerly, founder of Grassroots Health, states "I am shocked about the manner in which the Institute of Medicine's panel came to their 'final conclusions'. They did not look at any epidemiological data at all!

So HOW Much Vitamin D would assist you in preventative health?

Check Out The Vitamin D Council