Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is more than a secondary nutrient that helps bone-building. Research suggests that vitamin D may be one of the best vitamins of all for your body. The labs have uncovered up to 2,000 different genes—roughly one-sixth of the human genome—that are regulated by the nutrient. That means almost everything your body does relies on it. Low vitamin D will result in your body working far below its potential. And you’re probably not getting anywhere near the right amount.

What’s most remarkable about vitamin D is the sheer number of health issues it’s been linked to. Studies have shown that a lack of the vitamin may be the primary culprit in depression, heart disease, pregnancy problems, birth defects, skin and other cancers, and multiple sclerosis. Even if you don’t suffer from any of these conditions, getting more D may still be what the doctor ordered. A number of experts, have urged the government to raise its recommended daily amount of vitamin D for adults from 200 IU to at least 1,000 IU, possibly more.

So why do we come up so short, especially since vitamin D is one of the few vitamins our bodies can actually make? Sunlight converts a cholesterol-like substance naturally found in the skin into D. Problem is, thanks to UV rays and skin cancer, soaking up sun to make more D would do you more harm than good. For your skin to make enough, you’d need direct midday summer sunlight on a huge portion of your body for 15 minutes a day—risking serious sun damage.

Since the seasons are changing to shorter days with cold weather approaching fast, being outside to see the sun isn’t on the top of our list anyway. Just another reason to take care of your body and make sure to get enough Vitamin D daily over the winter season. Remember to ask a professional any questions or concerns before taking any kind of Vitamins, Minerals or Supplements in case of interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Live Healthy!