Important facts about vitamin D
It is the only vitamin that you don't get enough of from the diet because it is processed by the body through the skin's response to sun exposure.
The body does not generate vitamin D when you are inside your car or at home because sunlight cannot penetrate through glass.
Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption in the intestines. When taking calcium supplementation, it is necessary to have adequate amount of vitamin D otherwise the body will not absorb the calcium.
Using sunscreen blocks the body from its ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. Even with a very low SPF, it still impedes the process of synthesizing vitamin D from sunlight exposure.
There is no danger of getting an overdose of vitamin D from sunlight exposure because the body self regulates production and only generates what the body needs.
Vitamin D is the only vitamin you get for free because it is generated through sun exposure.
What are the benefits of Vitamin D?
Aside from its vital role in supporting the proper absorption of calcium, here are some other benefits that vitamin D may give the body:
- Helps strengthen and maintain healthy bones and teeth
- Aids immunity in children to reduce the risk of getting influenza
- Supports development of healthy infants
- May promote healthy pregnancy
- Helps prevention of cancer
- Helps reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis
What are some common side effects?
Vitamin D synthesized by the body through sun exposure is non-toxic because it is self-regulating. However, when taken in supplement form, it may cause some side effects. The good news is there are no records of Vitamin D supplement side effects that we are aware of in amounts under 40,000IU per day.
What are the common signs of vitamin D deficiency?
Although vitamin D deficiency may not appear as common, it is surprising to note that more people are suffering from this condition. Some of the common vitamin D deficiency symptoms may include:
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling blue
- Mood swings
- Head sweating
- Being overweight or obese
What are some natural sources of vitamin D?
Sunlight may be the most common source of vitamin D, but there are also natural sources that can be regularly included in one's diet. Vitamin D foods are mostly animal based and include fish like sardines and mackerel, fish oils, egg yolks, cheese, fortified milk and beef liver.
Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
