Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers about this subject.
1. Vitamin D May Fight Disease
In addition to its primary benefits, research suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in: Reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Decreasing the chance of heart disease. But it’s unclear whether vitamin D deficiency contributes to heart disease or simply indicates poor health when you have a chronic condition A recent review found that low vitamin D levels contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome Although studies are mixed, vitamin D may make severe flu and COVID-19 infections less likely. People who do not have adequate vitamin D levels might be at increased risk of infections and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease
Benefits
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Vitamin D is essential for several reasons, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Despite its name, vitamin D is not a vitamin, but a prohormone, or precursor of a hormone.
Deficiency
Causes Skin type: Darker skin, for example, and sunscreen, reduce the body’s ability to absorb the ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) rays from the sun. Geographical location: People who live in northern latitudes or areas of high pollution, work night shifts, or are homebound should aim to consume vitamin D from food sources whenever possible. Although people can take vitamin D supplements, it is best to obtain any vitamins or minerals through natural sources wherever possible.
Sources of vitamin D Getting sufficient sunlight is the best way to help the body produce enough vitamin D. Plentiful food sources of vitamin D include: fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
egg yolks
cheese
beef liver
mushrooms
fortified milk
fortified cereals and juices Here, learn how to get more vitamin D from the sun. 400 IU (10 mcg). Children 1–18 years: 600 IU (15 mcg).
600 IU (15 mcg). Adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg). 800 IU (20 mcg).
Pregnant or lactating women: 600 IU (15 mcg).
D-Fense For Your Health
Ontinue to be the darlings of many supplement lovers. No doubt, you’re probably familiar with the role of vitamin D in promoting healthy bones, largely by promoting the absorption of calcium.
“If you have a vitamin D deficiency, particularly in your older years, it can lead to osteoporosis or osteomalacia [bone softening],” says Lona Sandon, RD, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. But there is recent and mounting evidence that links low levels of the vitamin to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes, muscle and bone pain, and, perhaps more serious, cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovaries, esophagus, and lymphatic system. If you want to lower your blood pressure, vitamin D may be just what the doctor ordered.