Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body produces naturally when it is exposed to direct sunlight.  However, in Canada, we generally lather ourselves in sunscreen in the summer and cover ourselves in neck-to-ankle clothing the rest of the year.  This gives very little opportunity for us to naturally produce this important nutrient.

Perhaps the most vital function that Vitamin D plays is in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, as well as facilitating normal immune system function.  There are many other benefits of getting enough of this vital vitamin, such as:

Vitamin D may Fight Disease!!

Research suggests that Vitamin D3 may also play a role in:

– decreasing the chance of heart disease

– reducing the likelihood of severe illness, like flu and infections

– supporting immune health and reducing risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease

 

Vitamin D may Help Mood & Reduce Depression!!

Research has shown that Vitamin D may play an important role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression.

A review of more than 7,500 people found that those experiencing depression who received Vitamin D supplementation, noticed an improvement in symptoms.

Another study identified low Vitamin D levels as a risk factor for more severe fibromyalgia symptoms, anxiety, and depression.

 

Vitamin D might support Weight Loss

People with higher body weight have a greater chance of low Vitamin D levels.  In one study, people with obesity who received vitamin D supplements in addition to a weight loss plan lost more weight and fat mass than the members of the placebo group.  Research doesn’t support the idea that Vitamin D would cause weight loss, but there appears to be a relationship.

 

Additional Issues with Vitamin D Deficiency

– tiredness, aches, pains

– severe bone or muscle pain or weakness

– stress fractures, especially in your legs, pelvis, hips

A simple blood test can diagnose a Vitamin D Deficiency.

 

Contributors to Vitamin D Deficiency

Several factors can affect your ability to get adequate Vitamin D from sunlight alone.  You may be less likely to absorb enough Vitamin D from the sun if you:

– live in an area with high pollution

– spend most of your time indoors

– live in a big city where buildings block sunlight

– have darker skin (the higher your melanin levels, the less Vitamin D your skin can absorb)

 

Vitamin D and Cancer

According to Dr. Zoltan Rona, Vitamin D deficiency can increase cancer rates for 16 different types of cancer, particularly in northern climates like Canada.  Of interest are studies that showed decreases in Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Prostate Cancer.

See the article link below.

 

Getting Too Much Vitamin D

It is possible to take too much Vitamin D, however, the daily recommended amount differs depending on whom you listen to.  Standard protocol for daily supplementation dictates a very low amount of approximately 600 IUs in adults, however, more recent suggestions (see the HealthLine link below) recommends a daily intake between 1,000 and 4,000 IUs to ensure optimal blood levels, and others recommend up to 10,000 IUs daily (see Organic Compounding Company article below).

 

Read more at:

http://www.theorganiccompoundingpharmacy.com/vitamin-d-the-vitamin-we-all-need/

www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-vitamin-d-to-take#Supplements-101:-Vitamin-D