Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common. There are many ill health effects of this deficiency, however, so it is very important to maintain healthy levels. Some benefits of vitamin D include supporting bone health, maintaining cardiovascular function, and fighting infections.
How Vitamin D Benefits Your Health
- Vitamin D benefits your immune system. Those who are sufficient in vitamin D have a lower incidence of colds, flu, and other infections.
- Studies have shown that women sufficient in vitamin D have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those deficient in the vitamin.
- Vitamin D can suppress autoimmune diseases.
- Vitamin D acts as an antidepressant.
- Vitamin D prevents heart disease.
- Vitamin D reduces inflammation.
- Vitamin D supports bone health.
- Vitamin D reduces pain.
How To Increase Your Vitamin D Level
- The skin produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Those living in the northern latitudes are more prone to deficiency. Note that it is not recommended to overexpose your skin to the sun as that could lead to other health concerns. More frequent, less prolonged exposure is ideal.
- Vitamin D supplementation with doses of 4000 IU/day for adults is recommended to meet basic physiologic requirements.
- Periodic assessment of serum 25-OH vitamin D will help to ensure that levels of the vitamin are sufficient. The Vitamin D Council recommends a level of at least 50 ng/ml.
- It is not possible to get enough vitamin D through foods you eat.
For much more information regarding vitamin D and its importance, please visit the website of the Vitamin D Council.
