Vitamin D, what you should know
by Derek Burreson
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for our bodies but how do we get enough and where does it come from? It is classed as a fat-soluble vitamin but also has properties as a hormone as well. Adequate amounts in the body are necessary for the absorption and utilization of both calcium and phosphorous. It is important for the development of our bones and teeth, especially for children. It protects against muscle weakness and involved in the regulation of the heartbeat as well as many other important functions. According to the book of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, usually exposure of the face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes three times a week is an effective way to ensure you are getting enough. But dark skinned people (because the skin pigment blocks the sunlight) and those living in the upper third of the continental United States experience little or no sunshine during the winter months causing their bodies makes little or no vitamin D at all, meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to boost intakes of vitamin D. Perhaps vitamin D deficiency and “cabin fever” are related…not quite the same, but interesting to think about.
Not all vitamin D is the same and it is available in several forms. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from food sources, D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized in the skin in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays: and vitamin D5 is a synthetic. Of the three, vitamin D3 is considered the natural form and the most active.
Here is another study (click here to read article) of vitamin D and an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits of maintaining healthy levels.
Our bodies need the nutritional tools to function properly and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can go a long way toward your preventive maintenance routine.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for our bodies but how do we get enough and where does it come from? It is classed as a fat-soluble vitamin but also has properties as a hormone as well. Adequate amounts in the body are necessary for the absorption and utilization of both calcium and phosphorous. It is important for the development of our bones and teeth, especially for children. It protects against muscle weakness and involved in the regulation of the heartbeat as well as many other important functions. According to the book of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, usually exposure of the face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes three times a week is an effective way to ensure you are getting enough. But dark skinned people (because the skin pigment blocks the sunlight) and those living in the upper third of the continental United States experience little or no sunshine during the winter months causing their bodies makes little or no vitamin D at all, meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to boost intakes of vitamin D. Perhaps vitamin D deficiency and “cabin fever” are related…not quite the same, but interesting to think about.
Not all vitamin D is the same and it is available in several forms. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from food sources, D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized in the skin in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays: and vitamin D5 is a synthetic. Of the three, vitamin D3 is considered the natural form and the most active.
Here is another study (click here to read article) of vitamin D and an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits of maintaining healthy levels.
Our bodies need the nutritional tools to function properly and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can go a long way toward your preventive maintenance routine.
Sources:
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume 179, Pages 765-771, doi: 10.1164/rccm.200808-1361OC
“Serum Vitamin D Levels and Markers of Severity of Childhood Asthma in Costa Rica”
Authors: J.M. Brehm, J.C. Celedon, M.E. Soto-Quiros, L. Avila, G.M. Hunninghake, E. Forno, D. Laskey, J.S. Sylvia, B.W. Hollis, S.T. Weiss, A.A. Litonjua