All about Vitamin D!

Vitamin D has gained a lot of popularity over the years. Patients are frequently tested for their Vitamin D levels, and given supplements if they are deficient.

I recently saw a face lotion advertisement that stated the best way to get Vitamin D is by putting an expensive cream on your skin that contains the vitamin... BOGUS!!

Here is what I can tell you. Vitamin D is needed for calcium to be absorbed in your gut. It also helps normalize another mineral called phosphate in your body. Without vitamin D, or calcium for that matter, you are at risk of developing weak bones.

What are great food sources of Vitamin D? Fish, fish oil (specifically cod liver oil), milk fortified with D.

Sunscreens with a SPF of 8 or more appear to block vitamin D-producing UV rays. Approximately 5–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen usually lead to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. People with dark skin and those who are obese are more likely to be deficient.

Although we don't know everything about this vitamin, more research is being done daily. Some research shows that Vitamin D may be protective in the development of  certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Remember... just like with everything in life to much of something or too little of something can lead to problems. There are receptors for Vitamin D on all our cells- so it is no surprise that the effects of this vitamin can be seen throughout the whole body.