Should you consider a Vitamin D Supplement?

 

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid compound that includes 5 forms (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5). The most important forms are D3 and D2. Vitamin D contributes to your overall health and when you do not have enough it can lead to other health concerns.

How does your body use Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is mostly known for assisting in the intestinal absorption of calcium to build and maintain strong bones. However, Vitamin D has also been shown helpful in guarding against and (sometimes treating) diabetes, rickets, some cancers, and immune system disorders.

 

Optimal ways to get Vitamin D?

Your body can produce Vitamin D through the skin while in the sunshine and this process is easier for lighter pigmented and/or younger individuals. Some foods containing vitamin D are fatty fish (sword, tuna. salmon), cod liver oil, eggs, and beef liver. Other foods may be fortified with Vitamin D such as milk or yogurt. Check the content label. Most people can maintain healthy levels of Vitamin D with a balanced diet and time in the sun.

 

With that stated, here are some instances where your body may not have the recommended levels of Vitamin D and you may want to consider using a Vitamin D supplement:

 

6 Reasons you may benefit from a Vitamin D Supplement:

1. If you are overweight with a BMI above 30.

2. Persons with existing diseases that interfere with Vitamin D absorption and use in your system – Liver, Chron’s

3. Anyone age 65 or more.

4. Anyone who is rarely in the sunshine (approximately an hour or less per week)

5. Darker-skinned people.

6. Anyone taking drugs that reduce Vitamin D amounts in your system to lower than optimal levels.

 

How much Vitamin D do you need in a supplement?

The recommended daily amounts vary depending on many variables like those mentioned above and can range anywhere from 400IU to 800iU.  Speak with your physician for specific Vitamin D Supplement dosage recommendations because you can take too much.  

 

Please share your comments below.

 

 

Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing any medical advice.

***All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.