Twenty-five Harley Street consultant to address doctors
Dr Caje Moniz of Twenty-five Harley Street day clinic will address other medics on the 4th of July at a Nutrition MATTERS, a Continuing Professional Development event held at the BMA.
Those who are unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to tune in via the web.
Dr Moniz – who is consultant clinical biochemist and has held the position of Head of Biochemistry at King’s College - provides expert interpretation of biochemistry laboratory results and clinical advice. Hr will speak on the ‘Biochemistry of Vitamin D: From Lab to Bedside’.
What happens if you don't have enough vitamin D?
A lack of vitamin D can cause a host of problems including:
- A loss of strength
- Chronic pain
- Broken bones
- Low mood
Recent research on vitamin D
- High doses of vitamin D reduce respiratory infections, which could help to reduce one of the leading causes of serious illness, debilitation and death among older people residing in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Scientists at Queen Mary University of London, found that that vitamin D supplementation cut the proportion of participants experiencing at least one acute respiratory tract infection by 12%.
- Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a greater risk of bladder cancer, according to a new study, adding to the body of evidence suggesting that a lack of vitamin D is detrimental to health.
How to obtain vitamin D
Sunlight is the easiest way to obtain vitamin D, but it is hard to estimate how much time you should spend in the sun as it’s dependent on your skin type. For example, those of African and Asian heritage may need to spend longer in the sunshine to obtain enough vitamin D. It’s also important to take care not to burn.
Some research on this matter has been done in Spain. Researchers from the University of Valencia analysed ultraviolet solar irradiance - or the time it takes for the skin to redden - in Valencia. Rays were monitored for one month of each season between 2003-2010.
The results show that the average person (skin type III) should not spend more than 29 daily minutes in the city's direct sun during July.
In January, the same individual can remain exposed for 150 minutes to get enough of the nutrient.
Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.
Should we supplement vitamin D?
The latest advice from Public Health England is that adults and children over the age of one should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter.
People who have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are being advised to take a supplement all year round.
So what's the latest thinking on vitamin D?
The CPD Nutrition MATTERS aims to bring medical professionals up to speed with the latest information on this valuable vitamin and will feature case studies on Vitamin D deficiency and Osteoporosis and well as management of nutrition medicine and conditions
Other speakers include Professor Sam Lingam and Dr Philip Hawes and there will be opportunity for a question and answer session for the experts.
To find out how to attend or access this CPD please contact Dr Andrew Barton on abarton@bma.org.uk.
