Today I want to talk about a topic that’s often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”—Vitamin D. Beyond its well-known role in bone health, Vitamin D plays a vital role in supporting overall well-being.
Vitamin D became a bit of a hot topic during the pandemic and interestingly, as more of us were confined indoors, many of our standard blood tests were coming back with low Vitamin D.
The interesting thing is that I often hear from people who look at their bloodwork and say, “I go outside, how are my Vitamin D levels low?”. This could be due to a variety of factors including not going outdoors enough, poor absorption due to diet and more.
Here’s why adequate Vitamin D intake is essential:
Bone Health:
Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, promoting strong and healthy bones. Insufficient Vitamin D can lead to conditions like osteoporosis. So make sure you’re paying attention to it when you get your bloodwork done.
Immune System Support:
Vitamin D is known for its immune-modulating effects. It helps the immune system defend against infections and may play a role in autoimmune conditions.
Mood and Mental Health:
There’s emerging evidence linking Vitamin D to mood and mental health. Adequate levels are associated with a lower risk of depression and cognitive decline. Low Vitamin D has also been linked to an increase in headaches and migraines.
Heart Health:
Vitamin D may contribute to cardiovascular health by supporting blood vessel function and helping to regulate blood pressure.
Muscle Strength:
Adequate Vitamin D levels are associated with better muscle strength, which is important for overall mobility and preventing falls, especially in older adults.
Cancer Prevention:
Some studies suggest a potential link between sufficient Vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer.
Skin Health:
Vitamin D is produced in the skin in response to sunlight. Maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels contributes to overall skin health.
If you’re in need of additional Vitamin D, consider this supplement. It’s been backed by two clinical studies and Vitamin D in its most potent form. It’s an inexpensive way to help mitigate some of the issues associated with low Vitamin D.