Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has a huge impact on our health!☀️ Starting at birth our body needs this essential vitamin. Most of us aren’t getting enough, especially those of us with Midwest winters.
Winter sun, when it is out, does not give our bodies enough UVB rays to convert to Vitamin D. Many studies agree that at least half of Americans are Vitamin D deficient, and living in the Midwest our percentage may be even higher.
Why is Vitamin D important?
Vitamin D helps to promote strong bones and teeth by aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
It can help to strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of infection.
Vitamin D can help to reduce inflammation, which is linked to a variety of diseases.
It plays a role in regulating mood and may reduce symptoms of depression.
Vitamin D may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
It may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D may help to reduce the risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Some of the conditions that can occur with low vitamin D levels include fatigue, muscle weakness, allergies, migraines, lower immune system, and hormone disruption.There has been a lot of research linking autoimmune disease and vitamin D deficiency as well.
The best source of vitamin D is the sun. Now that the weather is warming up, GET OUTSIDE!
80-100% of the vitamin D that we need comes from the sun.
We can get 10,000-20,000IU of vitamin D from 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to soak up the sun (sans sunscreen) is between 8 and 10 a.m. before the sun is at its peak.
Infant sun exposure isn’t recommended so supplementation is the best way to prevent deficiency in newborns and infants. Adequate vitamin D supplementation from a breastfeeding mom can milk transfer to baby as an alternative to oral supplementation.
There are very few foods that are naturally rich in vitamin D.
Here are a few examples of foods higher in vitamin D: Cod liver oil, sockeye salmon, fresh egg yolk, pork fat or lard. For most people, the intake of foods only is not enough to improve deficient levels.
⚠️ Because vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin it accumulates in the tissues and with overloaded supplementation it can cause toxic effects. You cannot accumulate too much vitamin D from the sun. In regards to supplements and vitamin levels, finding a trusted provider to advise you for yourself and children is an important part of your healthcare.
For adults, ask us about our little dose of sunshine Vitamin D IM injection for an extra boost. ↗️
