Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that the body requires to keep its health good. Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium faster and strengthening the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses. It is important to maintain a strong body and keep it in good condition.
The National Institutes of Health states that one in four Americans has very low levels of vitamin D blood. It can have a negative impact on a person’s overall well-being.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to fatigue, bone problems, and other health issues. Vitamin D3 supplements can be a great way to increase your body’s demand for this nutrient.
Continue reading to learn why vitamin D is so important to prevent a deficiency.
What sets Vitamin D apart from other Nutrients
Vitamin D, also known by the “Sunshine Vitamin”, is unique among other nutrients. It is produced when your skin is exposed the sun’s rays.
Only a few people have the time and ability to regularly expose themselves to the sunlight. A recent report from the New York Post states that 42% of Americans aren’t getting enough vitamin D from the sun.
A good source of vitamin D is essential for your health. Supplements are an option, as vitamin D can only be obtained from foods that contain it.
But what is the right amount? The recommended daily intake in the U.S. is 600 IU. However, this could be too low and may explain why many Americans are Vitamin D deficient. We recommend that you consume at least 4000 IU per day to be safe.
Vitamin D forms
Two forms of vitamin D exist:
Vitamin D2
It is a fat-soluble nutrient, which assists the body in absorbing calcium or phosphorus.
It is also known as ergocalciferol and can be found in fortified foods such as:
- Cereals
- Orange juice
- Dairy and plant milks like almond, oat and soy
High levels of vitamin D2 are also found in yeast and mushrooms that have been exposed to direct sunlight or UV radiation.
Vitamin D3
This vitamin is also known as cholecalciferol and may be used to treat bone deficiencies such as osteomalacia or rickets.
This nutrient, however, is only found in animal-sourced food, especially:
- Butter
- Liver
- Egg yolk
- Oily fish and fish oil
Vitamin D3 is the more effective form of nutrition in increasing vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplements that contain vitamin D3 may be more beneficial to the body.
Vitamin D Deficiency Signs
Although most people are unable to identify the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency (vitamin deficiencies), it can lead to the following conditions:
Frequent Infections and Illnesses
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Insufficient vitamin D can cause weakness in the bones and muscles, which could lead to fatigue.
Joint and Bone Pain
Study has shown a link in vitamin D deficiency to joint pain like rheumatoidarthritis. If you experience constant pain or discomfort in your bones and joints, it could be a vitamin D problem.
Vitamin D also aids in calcium absorption. You can increase your bone health by consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D through good nutrition, high-quality supplements and sunlight exposure.
Mood Problems
In 2019, a study found that those with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to have mood problems.
According to the study, this vitamin has a protective effect on the brain that inhibits inflammation. You may be affected by vitamin D deficiency.
- Forgetfulness
- Changes in mood
- You are less interested in the activities that once excited you
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleeping troubles
- Appetite loss
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to check your vitamin D levels.
Slower Wound Healing
If your wounds take longer to heal, you may have lower vitamin-D levels.
An in vitro study found that vitamin D is essential for the body’s ability to heal wounds. It helps maintain growth factors. Vitamin D is also involved in the development of new tissue.
Another research found that leg ulcer patients might be suffering from vitamin D deficiency. They experienced a significant improvement in their healing times after taking 50,000 IU of vitamin D every week for two months.
Vitamin D is good for you
With adequate vitamin D, your body will reap the following benefits.
1. Better Immune Health
Vitamin D’s role in maintaining and boosting the immune system is one of its most important benefits. These studies show that vitamin promotes the production of T-cells and increases immunity to infections.
A few studies looked at the relationship between vitamin D levels in the body and the body’s ability to combat COVID-19 infection. The study found that those with lower levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Vitamin D supplements can help boost your immune system and combat various infections.
2. May Lower Your Risk of Contracting Cancer
The National Cancer Institute stated that early epidemiologic research revealed lower rates of certain cancers in patients who live in areas with high sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D is produced by sunlight, so the variations in vitamin levels could have something to do reducing cancer risk.
This claim is supported by more research.
3. May Lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
In cell models, studies showed that vitamin D could increase insulin sensitivity. This nutrient may also improve beta cell function and decrease inflammation, according to the study.
It may also lower the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How do you check your body’s vitamin D levels?
To determine how much or little vitamin you have in your body, a blood test is required. To get the test done, you might need to visit a healthcare professional or purchase test kits that allow you to take blood samples at your home.
After collecting your blood in a tube, you must send it to the laboratory. The experts will then check for vitamin D.
What are the normal Vitamin D levels?
The National Institutes of Health states that healthy people must have between 20 and 50 nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL), of vitamin D.
What causes Vitamin D deficiency?
A drastic decrease in vitamin D levels may result from a lack of sunlight exposure. If you live in an area where there is little sunlight, it might be worth adding products such as Omega+D3 with 4000 IUs vitamin D to your daily routine.
Xendurance Omega + D3 promotes heart, brain, bone, mobility, and a stronger immune system.
Get Vitamin D Boosted Today
You need to get enough sun rays in order to keep your bones and brain healthy and boost your immune system. Vitamin D supplements might be an option if you don’t have access to enough sun.
Vitamin D can help you avoid many types of illnesses for a long period of time if you take the right amount. Vitamin D can also be used to maintain overall health and wellness.
