Low Vitamin D is one reason for shorter lifespan amoung the poor - Dec 2023

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AN EPIDEMIC OF CHRONIC ILLNESS IS KILLING US TOO SOON - Dec 2023

Washington Post Oct 2023

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Vitamin D Life - Longevity and healthspan increased by Vitamin D - many studies

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Vitamin D Life - What is the easiest way to get healthy: Vitamin D, Healthy Food, or Exercise

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Vitamin D Life - Increase life expectancy by 2 years if double Vitamin D levels – Grant July 2011

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Are the poor less likely to supplement? (yes) - asked Chat-GPT Dec 2023

Low-income individuals or those in poverty are generally less likely to use dietary supplements compared to those with higher incomes. This is primarily due to a few key factors:

1. Cost: Dietary supplements can be expensive, and individuals with limited financial resources may prioritize basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare over supplements.
2. Access and Availability: People living in poverty often reside in areas with limited access to stores that sell a variety of health products, including supplements. These areas, sometimes referred to as "food deserts," may lack stores that stock a diverse range of health-related products.
3. Education and Awareness: There might be a lower level of awareness or knowledge about the potential benefits of dietary supplements among low-income groups. This can be due to a lack of access to healthcare education or resources that provide information about nutrition and supplements.
4. Health Priorities: Individuals struggling with poverty may face more immediate health concerns, such as chronic diseases or lack of access to basic healthcare, which take precedence over the preventive measures offered by supplements.
5. Cultural and Societal Factors: Dietary choices and supplement use can also be influenced by cultural norms and societal factors, which can vary significantly among different income groups.

It's important to note, however, that the relationship between income and supplement use can be complex and influenced by a variety of factors beyond just economic status. Additionally, the necessity and efficacy of supplements can vary greatly depending on an individual's specific health needs and dietary intake.

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Can food stamps be used to buy supplements? (no) - asked Chat-GPT Dec 2023

Food stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the United States, have specific guidelines regarding what can and cannot be purchased with the benefits. The primary focus of SNAP is to provide assistance for buying food that is meant to be prepared and eaten at home. Here are the key points regarding the purchase of supplements with SNAP benefits:

1. Eligible Items: SNAP benefits can be used to buy foods for the household to eat, such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.
2. Ineligible Items: SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
3. Exceptions: There are some items that might seem like supplements but are actually eligible for purchase with SNAP. For instance, certain energy drinks with a Nutrition Facts label (rather than a Supplement Facts label) can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Similarly, some snack bars that are food-based and have a Nutrition Facts label are also eligible.
4. Non-Food Items: SNAP benefits also cannot be used to buy non-food items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and hygiene items.

The distinction between a food item and a supplement is crucial in determining eligibility for purchase with SNAP benefits. The presence of a Nutrition Facts label typically signifies that the item is considered food and is therefore eligible, whereas a Supplement Facts label indicates a supplement, which is ineligible.
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Note: US Food stamps program being asked to add free Vitamin D - June 2023

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Vitamin D Life gave 100's of bottles of Vitamin D to local food banks during a previous Xmas

Might consider making a GoFundMe to raise money to buy vitamin D for food banks, poor
Retail cost of $5/year/person (50,000 IU twice a month).
Probably can get Vitamin D wholesale from suppliers at much lower cost

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Many studies have found that more income results in a higher level of Vitamin D

Vitamin D intakes of adults differ by income, gender and race/ethnicity in the U.S.A., 2007 to 2010 - April 2014
Public Health Nutr . 2014 Apr;17(4):756-63. doi: 10.1017/S1368980013002929.
Low socioeconomic status predicts vitamin D status in a cross-section of Irish children - 2022
J Nutr Sci. 2022; 11: e61. doi: 10.1017/jns.2022.57

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10 ng lower level of Vitamin D if smoke

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2X more years of smoking if below poverty line (compared to >3X higher incomes)

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