Vitamin D

Vitamin D is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin. It is produced by your body through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. Vitamin D has several important functions in the body including helping to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and supporting your immune system. In children, a sufficient amount of vitamin D is necessary for normal growth and development of bones and teeth.

Here are two more surprising benefits of vitamin D:

1. Vitamin D Fights Disease and Helps Support the Immune System

Studies have shown that adults who took the daily required amounts of vitamin D showed a decreased chance of developing heart disease. Another study showed that vitamin D helped to reduce the likelihood of developing the flu according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

 2. Vitamin D May Help Support Mood

Research has shown that vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and helps to ward off depression. Multiple studies have found that people with depression who took vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms.

 Many factors can affect your ability to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D through the sun alone. Some of these factors include:

·         Being in an area with high pollution

·         Using sunscreen

·         Spending more time indoors

·         Living in big cities where buildings block sunlight

 These factors show why it’s important to get some of your vitamin D from sources besides sunlight. In Canada, we do not receive enough exposure to natural sunlight between September to May, therefore doctors recommend that Canadians include vitamin D in their diet through foods or supplements. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in adults include tiredness, aches and pains, and a general sense of not feeling well, and severe bone or muscle pain or weakness.

For sources of vitamin D, click here. https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment-management/boost-vitamin-d-intake/

 Denise Boyd, BSc, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RNH) with a specialization in Cognitive and Immune Support.