Vitamin D is a vital nutrient found in the body. The foods you will find it in are the fatty fish species like tuna, herring, sardines and mackerel. The sun provides slightly above 80% of all the vitamin D in many people, but is that enough today? In the days of 50 SPF as standard to protect us from skin cancer, can you be absorbing enough?Vitamin D supplements seem to be the best way to ensure everyone gets the optimal dose of Vitamin D for optimal health.
There are so many important vitamin D benefits it is hard to list them all. Vitamin D down-regulates pro-inflammation markers and up-regulates antimicrobial peptides to support your immune system. Deficiency can cause common bone diseases such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis or osteopenia which is softening, weakening of bones, or bone loss. People experiencing such disorders usually experience pain and their limbs easily break even in minor accidents. The vitamin also boosts calcium absorption levels in the body thus protecting patients of renal dysfunctions from bone loss.
Adequate intake of vitamin D through frequent exposure to the morning sunlight and clinically proven supplements support ensures that you are guarded against diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, asthma, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Low Vitamin D levels also may be linked to critically ill children according to studies from children’s hospitals in Canada.
Studies have pointed to the ability of vitamin D to fight against cancer causing organisms and skin ailments such as lupus. Breast, prostate and colon cancer are among many cancers being studied for Vitamin D benefits. Some supplements are directly applied to the skin in case of conditions such as psoriasis. Vitamin D is essential in boosting the general immunity of the body and plays an important role in regulating and distributing phosphorus and calcium into our bones.
It is important to undertake the 25 OH (hydroxy) Vitamin D blood test to gauge the levels of vitamin D in your body. This type of test differs from the 1,25(OH)₂D test. This can be done at any certified institution that provides laboratory services. You can also take samples at home and send them to the lab through companies that collaborate with the Vitamin D Council.
According to the Vitamin D Council, you are considered to have a deficiency if your results return 0-39ng/ml. The optimal levels are put at 40-80ng/ml. The council advises that you take supplements of about 2,000 IU/day-10000 IU/day in order to maintain an above 40ng/ml level. Levels above 150ng/ml are considered too high, which means you have to reduce your intake. You should consult your doctor before beginning on supplements because there are health conditions that do not allow. Doctors also advise most people to use Vitamin D3 supplements in olive oil for better absorption and to take on a regular basis for more vitamin D benefits. For more information on high quality Vitamin D3 for you and your family read more.