Vitamin D…The Sunshine Vitamin
In years gone by…we never heard of Vitamin D…good or bad….just that Milk contained it. Now Vitamin D is linked to Cancer Prevention, Bone Health, Cardiovascular Health, Brain Development, Muscle Function and your Immune System. Who knew?!
Vitamin D is a group of fat soluble secosteroids that enhance the absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc via your intestines. Vitamin D2 is found in plants and foods….Vitamin D3…the most important of the two..is produced by your body when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D was brought to my attention a few years ago by my Oncologist..who found I was Vitamin D deficient. Years later I heard it again with regard to Autism. I thought it was important to look into further.
If you’re not a sun worshipper, you have a milk allergy or prefer not to have dairy or a strictly vegan..you may have a Vitamin D deficiency.
Some Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency:
- General Muscle Pain, Weakness or Cramps
- Joint Pain
- Restless Sleep
- Poor Concentration
- Constipation or Diarrhea
Your skin makes Vitamin D when you are directly exposed to UVB rays. Most us prefer not to be exposed to the sun’s rays on an ongoing basis. Foods containing Vitamin D along with a supplement is usually preferred. Too much Vitamin D can be harmful. Contact your health care professional before taking supplements of any kind!!
There is a small group of foods that contain Vitamin D…
- Fatty Fish
- Fortified Milk
- Orange Juice
- Egg Yolks
- Fortified Cereals
Research is ongoing to fully understand how Vitamin D works within your body…the above risks vs the benefits should have you make the decision to have your Vitamin D level checked by your health care professional.
For more info…follow the link below….