If you want the story order the manuscript or
wait for the book which covers the history of D and sunlight and the 'what' and
'why'. If you need to know 'how' to monitor and maintain optimal vitamin D
safely order the Report with Protocols.
Naked at Noon, Understanding Sunlight and Vitamin
D
is a fully referenced work covering the vitamin D
endocrine system, sunlight, D and disease, safe sun, safe supplements; and the
role genetics plays in our responses to sunlight and vitamin D. To give you an
idea of the work itself I have provided the
Table of Contents and
Sample Chapters.
The book explains how we get D, from
food, sunlight and supplements; and why many people in the U.S. and in other
countries currently suffer from hyper or hypovitaminosis D. It includes
discussion of the problems associated with changes in location (migration and
immigration to genetically unfriendly climates), anti-sun attitudes, and indoor
lifestyles. It also covers information about vitamin D's importance to the
health of our bones and teeth; its genomic functions regulating normal cell
birth, growth and death; and its interactions with other nutrients. The book
gives a broad overview of our current situation, how we got where we are; the
problems and complications; and solutions for sunlight and D sufficiency in the
U.S. and throughout the world. Sunscreens, ozone, skin cancer, problems relating
to skin color and alterations in traditional diets are all covered in this book.
Its findings are supported by 1078 scientific references.
Naked at Noon
covers many aspects of an amazing sunlight
produced hormone, all important to understanding our current sunlight and D
problem. The book has general information on maintaining D sufficiency but does
not include information on diagnosis and treatment of D deficiency or
insufficiency. I apologize for the delay of this work. Your frustration is
no greater than my own. Both publishers offering a contract wanted to cut the
book to the 'standard' number of pages and remove many of the references. Much
of the information in the book is not available from any other source and the
information and references are critical to the integrity of the material.
Though my original
publisher and second publisher have not worked out as expected, I am determined
to get out the information in the book and so am offering the manuscript. Domestic orders $50.
International orders send $65 US, must be in US funds.
After reading the pre-publication manuscript your
comments, including suggestions, criticism or praise, will be welcomed. Your
order will include a link to a page that will allow you to submit comments and
read the comments of others.
To order the manuscript now (not finalized,
rough edges, no index) send $50 (domestic)/$65 (International) check or money order in US
funds to:
Krispin
Sullivan, CN
202
Marylyn Circle
Petaluma,
CA 94954
Or order
here.
Questions? 1-707-769-1301 or
email me. Medical and legal considerations preclude answering personal
questions regarding vitamin D. If you are interested in my private practice
please see below.
Cautions: The book,
Naked at Noon, does not contain detailed instructions on how to maximize vitamin
D safely. For all vitamin D enthusiasts- Please
do not take D in amounts larger than 1,000 IU daily from all sources
without clinical testing, physician guidance, or cautious personal monitoring if
a physician is unavailable. Read the excerpts from the
book. If you believe you need more D please order the
Preliminary Report, see below, to make sure you are using
sunlight and D safely.
- If you suffer from any disease associated with
an alteration of the vitamin D endocrine system, such as sarcoidosis, do not
take any D from any source and avoid sunlight.
- Persons with any type of liver or kidney
disease should consider vitamin D supplementation only if working with a
knowledgeable physician.
- If you have been diagnosed with hypo or
hyperparathyroidism vitamin D may play a role in your condition but you must
work with a physician to determine just how vitamin D will help or hurt.
Harm can occur from excess D as well as
insufficiency. Taking D when it is not needed is potentially dangerous no matter
what form of D you may be taking. Do not self treat without regularly
monitoring your levels of 25(OH)D and seek help if you aren't sure how to do
this..
Various websites and experts are currently
enthusiastic about vitamin D and state high doses of vitamin D, doses ranging
from 2,000-4,000 IU, are safe. A primary focus of my book is a review of
research showing studies being cited as the basis for claiming high doses
of vitamin D are necessary and safe were faulty when they were first published.
High doses of D may be absolutely necessary for some but for others the same
doses would be excessive in the short or long term.
The conclusions drawn by 'safe vitamin D'
proponents (including some of the researchers themselves) often overlook major
flaws in the studies. To mention just one of the flaws, no study has been done
using high dose vitamin D for longer than 6 months. D toxicity (like vitamin A
toxicity) may take a year, two years, or longer to develop, putting the
compliant patient/user at risk.
Another overlooked problem is the interaction
between calcium and vitamin D. Taken together there is a strong synergistic
effect and less amounts of both substances are needed. As testing is done
without correction for calcium intake conclusions are again, problematic. High
doses of D when calcium sources are low have a different outcome than when D and
calcium are used in combination. The US diet is relatively high is calcium
(depending of course on who, when, where) and for many (not all) calcium lowers
the relative need for vitamin D.
I am positive about the wisdom of my caution
because I have seen the outcomes, having begun working with high dose D in 1999.
The book clearly describes the problems facing any policy of food
supplementation or long term high dose D supplementation.
Recently a blog site has criticized my caution
and suggested I am trying to sell my book. FYI, after some eight years of
exhaustive study and writing, I have spent much more on research for the book
than I will EVER recoup when the book is finally readily available. I suggest
the Report and/or book because the issue really is complicated and a few
paragraphs, or a broad 'prescription', just won't do.
I am enthusiastic about safe use of sunlight
and vitamin D. Having enough D makes life better. I know from experience
supplementing D is problematic.
Some supplement users absorb poorly, some
combine supplements with sunlight for rapid excess, some use supplements that
just don't seem to work. My personal preference is the safe use of sunlight to
get D but I know that for many this may be impossible. It is a new world out
there. We have moved from ancestral sources and have no way to recreate these
sources in our new locations. Whether using sunlight or supplements, testing
makes sure you are getting enough and not too much.
For an overview of why caution is advised do
read the book excerpts, and
Caution- Living Systems are Complex Systems.
I would say from a review of the research and
from personal and professional experience most benefit from extra D,
especially D from sunlight, but we are all individuals and what is right for
one may not be right for another.
Enthusiastic promoters of 'natural' vitamin D
or cod liver oil suggest that, as it is natural, it is safe in high amounts.
Some use references to prove their claims. Clinical data strongly and
definitively contradicts any belief that high doses of vitamin D, whatever the
source, are safe. It is true, however, getting excess A and D combined, as is
possible with excessive cod liver oil intake, is safer than excess D or excess A
alone. Vitamin A is protective when excess D is present and D protects from
excess A, BUT having the right amount, neither excess or insufficiency of either
makes more sense to me.
This issue is exhaustively addressed in the
book. There have been a number of cases reported to me of severe vitamin D
excess with serious and debilitating results, including tetany, depression,
and/or significant bone loss. Monitor your D.
For the past number of years clinicians,
physicians, national media, and the National Institute of Health have been
warning Americans to stay out of the sun. The purpose of this warning is
intended to prevent melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. In spite of the
ever-increasing use of sunscreens and intentional reduction of sun exposure,
incidence of this cancer continues to rise. There is evidence that the advice to
avoid sunlight may be contributing to the increased incidence of melanoma. One
possible reason for this may be issues relating to genetics and extended
exposure to UV-A light. When sunscreen is used sun burning is reduced or
eliminated and the sunscreen user's time in the sun is extended. While UV-A is
not as strong as UV-B it does cause damage over time and most sunscreens either
do not block or poorly block UV-A no matter what the SPF may be. Whatever the
cause, the expected reduction in skin cancer with sunscreen use has not
occurred.
One of the known protectors of skin cells from
pre-cancerous changes is vitamin D and your skin actually contains the enzyme
that converts sunlight D into active 1,25(OH)2D, calcitriol. For most Americans
the primary source of vitamin D is sunlight. UV-B, the only band of light
producing vitamin D, is significantly present only midday from late spring to
early fall
in most of the U.S., the exact time we are advised to avoid sunlight. UV-B is
blocked by sunscreen. We have an international disaster in progress due to a
misunderstanding of the nature of and need for UV-B and vitamin D.
A blood test for 25(OH)D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, is
the only way to tell if you have or are taking the correct amount of vitamin D,
need to take any D, or if your sun habits are sufficient. Too little vitamin D
contributes to many degenerative diseases but excess vitamin D is equally
undesirable. Because of the varied ethnicities, latitudes and lifestyles in the
United States (and most of Europe and Asia too) the only way to safely use
supplemental vitamin D is test, test and retest. Click on the
Vitamin D Testing link for a relatively inexpensive way to monitor your D.
Low D needs to be corrected, carefully.
Moderately high levels of 25(OH)D, greater than 70 ng/ml (175 nmol/l) have been
associated with bone loss, heart disease, and other soft tissue
calcification. When chronic intake of excessive amounts of vitamin D raise serum
25(OH)D further irreversible damage may occur. It is likely for most the optimal
range of vitamin D is 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/l). In locations greater than
30? latitude, north or south, values are naturally higher at the end of summer
and early fall and lower in winter and spring. There is no evidence values
higher than 60 ng/ml provide any added benefit.
TESTING:
Reasonably priced testing is available for anyone in the US from the Life
Extension Foundation. ZRT Labs is more expensive but may be an alternative
choice for some and as the test is done at home from a small blood drop may be
preferable for infants and children..
Click on the little suns to reach the test ordering
pages.
At LEF.org the test is $47 for LEF members and $63 for non-members. Test results
are provided directly to you through the Foundation. Testing sites are easily
accessible in most states. I am not a member nor in any way affiliated with Life
Extension, nor do I necessarily their products. I do support reasonably priced
testing of vitamin D, and so far, Life Extension is the most accessible
provider.
ZRT
Labs provides a do-it-yourself at home kit. It is good for those that want to
take control of their own testing or excellent if you need to test infants or
children (no needles). It?s $75 for a blood spot kit that is accurate and
requires just a few drops of blood. Unfortunately this test is state limited.
Make sure you live in a state that allows self testing (not New York or
California)
Do not supplement
in amounts greater than 1,000 IU
(total from all sources daily) unless you are being tested and treated by a healthcare
professional who understands clearly both the benefits and dangers of vitamin
D. If a professional is not available, do monitor yourself. Minimum testing,
if using supplements, should be not less than every four months the first two
years and every six months the third and fourth years. Excess intake of
vitamin D may not show up as elevated 25(OH)D until as long as 2-3 years after
starting a dose that was seemingly safe initially.
Less testing is needed
if you use sunlight to raise your D. Typically end of summer and end of winter
will give you a good idea of the success or failure of using sunlight as your
primary source. Sunlight is a safe source for most persons in the US with the
exception of light skinned persons living in Hawaii, Florida or other locations
with elevated levels of UV-B. All skin types regularly exposed to UV light will
have a higher need for dietary vitamins A and C.
If you have light skin
and live in an area with high UV-B, sunning should be very limited. Combining
sunlight and supplements may rapidly overload the D endocrine system in summer
months.
If you regularly sun in
summer and have skin types 1-4 it is unlikely any supplementation is needed
during all or most of the year. For dark skins the only US location likely to
provide adequate sunlight is Hawaii (this is yet to be determined) and
supplements may be a requirement for long term health. As response to
supplementation is difficult to gauge, testing should be mandatory. It is my
hope HMOs will recognize the benefits of supporting optimal 25(OH)D. The
Preliminary Report below explains how to determine your need and how to use
supplements and sunlight safely. A Physician Protocol is included with the
Report to share with your doctor.
Vitamin D, the kind
you make on your skin, get in fortified milk, or take in a vitamin supplement,
is not a vitamin. It is more appropriately classified as a pro-hormone. Not only
is it a pro-hormone it is a sunlight derived pro-hormone. The active hormone D,
calcitriol, controls calcium in vertebrates and invertebrates. Calcium controls
innumerable processes in the human body including responses in muscles, bones
and glands. Calcitriol is a major player in genomic actions determining how our
cells express themselves and regulating production of
numerous substances including enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters
We all need sunlight and/or vitamin D. Clinical studies demonstrate the ability
to produce/absorb/utilize sunlight and vitamin D is genetically variable. At the
present time many persons world-wide suffer from D deficiency or insufficiency.
Testing is the only way to know how much D you have and testing is the only way
to monitor D supplementation. As actions of a pro-hormone are essential to
health and life, 'guessing' or 'assuming' is not a wise way to determine
optimal levels.
In northern California 80% of clients tested during
winter months have serum vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 ng/ml) or
insufficiency (20-32 ng/ml). This problem increases dramatically in persons
living at latitudes more distant from the equator and in persons living in all
US latitudes with darker skins. In Texas there has been an increase in the
number of children with African or Hispanic heritage suffering from rickets.
Even in sunny southern California vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is
prevalent in part due to avoidance of midday sunlight and/or the use of
sunscreens which block vitamin D production .
Getting enough vitamin D,
from sunlight or supplements, is important to health and longevity but too much
supplemental D or sunlight can be disease producing. Too much, too little- the
only way to know how much D you have and how much sunlight or D you need to
maintain D sufficiency is to test.
Every body needs sunlight and vitamin D. Deficiency or insufficiency has been
associated with:
- adrenal insufficiency
- Alzheimer's
- allergies
- autoimmune disorders including
multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
- cancers of the colon, breast,
skin and prostate
- depression, seasonal affective
disorder (SAD)
- diabetes, Type 1 and 2
- gluten intolerance, lectin
intolerance
- heart disease, hypertension,
Syndrome X
- infertility, sexual dysfunction
- learning and behavior
disorders
- misaligned teeth and cavities
- myopia
- obesity
- osteopenia, osteoporosis,
osteomalacia (adult rickets)
- Parkinson's
- PMS
- psoriasis
- rickets
- use of corticosteroids and
more...
Sunlight
Packet:
Preliminary Report- Sunlight and Vitamin D
An overview on what is known about the
benefits of sunlight and D includes The Preliminary Report; the Physician's
Protocol; the Patient's Protocol; and the Essential Fats Update, plus
information on testing D. All are carefully referenced, enclosed in a poly
binder and offer access to safe guidelines and information prior to book
publication. This is the only packet currently available and is suitable for
general information and physician treatment protocols. It has been updated as of
July, 2006 and includes the book excerpts and other toxicity information.
Order here. Cost: Domestic $50 including shipping
and handling. International $65 in US currency. You will be sent an invoice for
additional charges after your order is received.
Practical
Nutrition for the 21st Century order now- $50
including shipping and handling
I have made available my client
workbook as many have requested it. It is a basic nutrition 'how to' guide; over
300 pages in a binder for easy access to information and to enable additions as
they become available. If you are ordering from outside the US & Canada you may
be sent an invoice for additional shipping and currency exchange costs. Your
workbook will be shipped without the binder
This workbook contains the latest
information on proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium
and other nutrients including the latest information on the dangers of soy and
excess omega-6 fats. It offers tools to help you find the foods that are right
for you. It promotes food first, supporting the eating of genetically
appropriate whole foods, sometimes called anthropological nutrition. It is not a
book about supplements; it does not cover disease diagnosis/treatment using
supplements. Nutrition is about what you eat. It is fully referenced.
Order here
The cost of these items reflects
the investment of time and money spent to provide this research of the research.
The studies, conference proceedings, technical papers and books used to gather
information cost hundreds of dollars; the time and effort to distill the information
consumed hundreds of hours, some 7 plus years of work with sunlight and D and
more than 38 years of experience to produce the nutrition workbook.
The Practical Nutrition workbook
contains timeless truths; concepts and rules about food and light that will not
change. All items are copyrighted and I ask that you respect this and purchase
multiple copies if you intend to share the information. You may have all or part
of your order sent to friends or family as a gift by request.
To find out more about me
please visit krispin.com and take a
look around. This is my personal web site designed to provide basic information
about me and about nutrition in the 21st century. View my article,
The Miracle of Vitamin D, published in Wise Traditions for an overview of
the D report. The Miracle of Vitamin D was written at the beginning of my search
for the truth about sunlight and vitamin D. This article should not be used as a
basis to diagnose or treat sunlight or D insufficiency. Much of its information
is now old and out of date. Cod liver oil is not always the best way to get
vitamin D. The article does not have any of the guidelines, protocols or other
information provided in the book, the Preliminary Report or in The
Professionals' Guide. Wise Traditions is published by the Weston A. Price Foundation , a
strong supporter of whole natural traditional foods and healthy life styles.
NEED HELP
NOW? I accept private clients on a
limited basis. If you need personal help with any health issue, including
support when undergoing traditional medical treatments, email or call my home
office and leave your name, address, zip and phone number. Speak slowly and
clearly, spell any words likely to be mistaken on a message machine. I
will e-mail (preferred) or mail you an information packet, no obligation,
containing forms and a clear explanation of what I offer and what it costs. I
work by phone, fax,
mail and email. I do not see clients in person. I do not sell ANY products.
I offer personal support and intensive education, to enable you to care for
yourself (and for your family).
If you email or call with personal
health information and questions and are not a client I will not be able to
respond due to time constraints and other complicating legal and medical issues.
Please request the Information Packet which contains the information and forms
needed to decide if you would like to consult with me to begin the process. The
packet explains what I do and contains the forms needed to begin your consult.
There is no obligation in requesting this information.
Physicians with questions about
vitamin D should first order the Preliminary Report which contains a referenced
Physician's Protocol and other materials. If questions remain after reviewing
the Report call me. 1-707-769-1301 Physicians calling to discuss vitamin D issues re
patients are welcomed. Have your questions prepared with detailed information on
patient history. You may fax or email information and questions prior to your
phone consult. You will be billed/invoiced for actual time used.
Contact Information:
sunlightd.org
Krispin Sullivan, CN
202 Marylyn Circle
Petaluma, CA 94954
Voice: 1-707-769-1301
Fax: 1-707-769-1321
Email:
Please fill out the linked
form. You may also use this form to subscribe to my newsletter.
As a researcher I need to keep and later resource my
email correspondence. After looking at many different archiving and search
programs I found one that does it all, easily and accurately. The very best
program available for both archiving and quickly accessing both emails and attachments
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business, or home user you will not be disappointed in this great resource. Do
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02/02/10