[Organizers] Re: Vitamin D and Contra Dancing

Hi Everyone, Some basic info about vitamin D. [In my other non-dancing life, I am a nutritionist -- a livestock nutritionist with a PhD from Cornell in Animal Nutrition.] The last time I looked, people -- at least most of them, including contra dancers -- have metabolic systems that are similar to other mammals. A lot of health claims are attributed to vitamin D. There are some good reasons for this, because Vitamin D is not a true vitamin; it's actually a hormone hiding under the vitamin moniker. And very powerful in its actions. The precursor to vitamin D is made in the skin by the application of ultraviolet light, usually from the sun. It's also absorbed from animal-based foods as vitamin D3. And from plant-based foods as vitamin D2. Either way, all these molecules travel to the liver where they are all changed into 25-D which is the form tested medically for blood levels. Then 25-D goes to the kidney where it is converted to 1,25-D which is the actual active molecule (technically named 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol). This form is relatively short-lived in the blood which is why it is not the actual test for vitamin D. Then 1,25-D is carried to all the cells in the body where it does some heavy-duty tasks. This 1,25-D enters the cell and through a complex series of steps, enters the nucleus where it affects the DNA. It acts like a toggle switch to turn on or turn off genes -- more than a thousand different genes -- which affect dozens of metabolic pathways. Some include calcium absorption and metabolism which influences bone density, of course; some involve the production of anti-microbial compounds; some involve the control of cell growth; some involve the release of cytokines which are small messenger molecules, etc. Importantly, the cytokines are deeply involved in the immunological responses to diseases. And vitamin D affects many other metabolic systems. Traditionally, the recommended nutritional levels of vitamin D were designed to prevent rickets (and the adult version, osteomalacia) and also osteoporosis. But that was the minimum. Recommended levels (Dietary Reference Intakes, DRI) have increased in recent years as we've learned more about vitamin D and its importance. DRI levels now are in the range of 600-800 IU per day, depending on age (of the person, not of the bottle of vitamins). Frankly, I think these are still on the low side, so personally I routinely take a daily dose of 2,000 IU, and my blood levels of 25-D are in the middle of the normal range. In reality, most people are generally mildly-to-strongly deficient in vitamin D, primarily because during the day they wear clothes and hats and apply sunscreen. OTOH, lots of sun has a very strong tendency to lead to skin cancers. Ask any dermatologist. So a pill containing vitamin D is a rational technique, although megadoses are not recommended. Yes, vitamin D is involved with the immune system, but it is not a treatment against viruses. It's a nutrient. Obtaining enough of it is a good thing, and it will help maintain the immune system to its functionality. But vitamin D is not a drug or a vaccine. But how can we, as dancers and dance organizers, use this information to our benefit? In a humble attempt to contribute constructively to this discussion as well as set a few records straight, here are some practical suggestions: * Dance contras and squares outdoors with no clothes on. * Do a lot of dancing because this word begins with the letter "D". * Never use sunblock when you dance indoors. * Eat highly bleached grass hay because it will have high levels of vitamin D2. * Always dance full heys rather than half-heys because a full 16-count "hay" can have twice as much vitamin D. * During the break, always go outdoors and sit in the sun. If there is no sun, especially at night, sit under a heat lamp and make believe it's the sun. * Don't eat any polar bear livers during the break because these can have toxic levels of vitamin A, and A is only three letters away from D. In the hope of dancing together again before 2026, Woody -- Woody Lane Caller, Percussive Dancer Roseburg, Oregon ________________________________ On 8/23/2021 8:25 AM, Weogo Reed via Organizers wrote: Vitamin D: "Several recent studies have looked at the impact of vitamin D on COVID-19. One study of 489 people found that those who had a vitamin D deficiency were more likely to test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 than people who had normal levels of vitamin D. Other research has observed high rates of vitamin D deficiency in people with COVID-19 who experienced acute respiratory failure. These people had a significantly higher risk of dying. And a small, randomized study found that of 50 people hospitalized with COVID-19 who were given a high dose of a type of vitamin D (calcifediol), only one needed treatment in the intensive care unit. In contrast, among the 26 people with COVID-19 who weren't given calcifediol, 13 needed to be treated in the intensive care unit." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/c… Note that the current RDA(Recommended Daily Allowance) is for bone health. For optimal health, it may be more. From Liz: "Sunshine and fresh air will not keep you safe." Partially correct. They can increase your health and improve your body's covid response. Sunshine helps your body produce Vitamin D. Time outside for me generally equals exercise - in the garden, doing construction, walking/hiking and more. For the past year and a half, my one gig as a sound person was outside, providing audio for the local state university's graduation in May, with everybody masked and spaced 6'.