Lack Of Vitamin D And Health Implications

In years gone by, Vitamin D facts were discussed in relation to rickets, that is softening of the bones in children. But in North America nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find children with the disease.

However, there is a problem with osteoporosis for people 50 and over. This nutrient increases the flow of calcium in the blood stream and as you might well be aware, calcium is directly related to bone health in all people, both young and old. Therefore Vitamin D has always been relevant.

But recently, this nutrient has been getting a lot of press, much more than it did years ago – not for its positive effects on bones but for other far reaching health benefits.

So let us look at some of the Vitamin D facts that can empower you

1. Every cell and tissue in your body has receptors for Vitamin D, making a vital nutrient in the promotion of a healthy body.

2. The Vitamin D hormone, calcitriol, plays a role in the killing of cancer cells.

3. Research has found links between this nutrient plays a role in the reversal or prevention of cardiovascular disease. It has been found that people with a deficiency in this supplement has a higher risk of heart problems, hypertension and diabetes

4. It promotes immune system health

5. Promotes healthy skin and reduce the risks of getting vitiligo, scleroderma, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and other skin conditions.

Vitamin D Sources

You can receive this nutrient from exposure to the sun and food like fatty fish and diary products. Scientist say that safe intake of this nutrient is between 1000-2000 IUs daily. Overdosing on it can lead to gastrointestinal problems and high blood pressure.

Fortunately, most incidences of overdose have been related to manufacturing and industrial accidents and not through dietary intake.

Those At Risk of Deficiency

Research is suggesting that 85% of people may be Vitamin D deficient without even being aware of it. This is partly due to the media scaring people away with stories linking sunshine to cancer.

So people have been smearing their bodies with sunscreen, stayed indoors or worn clothes that block the sun’s beneficial rays. In effect they have reduced their body’s ability to convert sunlight to Vitamin D

So if you live in parts of America where sunlight is limited or going through winter, you might need to take a Vitamin D supplement.

If you are old, obese or dark-skinned, your body gets less of this nutrient from the sun so supplementation may be need.

Your body could be having a silent craving for this nutrient. Make sure you are getting enough of it.
Don’t give your body an excuse to get sick. Give it all the natural vitamins