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Vitamin D - Find out Why It Is Extremely Important for You

Wouldn't it be great if one vitamin could build stronger bones and protect against diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease,...

Vitamin D Boosts Bone Health
Vitamin D is critical for strong bones, from infancy into old age. It helps the body absorb calcium from food. In older adults, a daily dose of "D" and calcium helps to prevent fractures and brittle bones. Children need "D" to build strong bones and prevent rickets, a cause of bowed legs, knock knees, and weak bones. Adding the vitamin to milk in the 1930s helped to nearly eliminate the disorder. Shown here is the honeycombed structure inside a healthy bone.


Vitamin D  And Diabetes
Some studies have shown a link between a low vitamin D level and type 2 diabetes -- the more common version of this blood sugar disorder. So, can boosting your vitamin D levels help ward off the disease? There's not enough proof for doctors to recommend taking this supplement to prevent type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat may play a role in diabetes and low levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D And Weight Loss

Low D And DepressionVitamin D plays a role in brain development and function. One promising study showed that large doses of vitamin D could lessen the symptoms of mild depression. But other studies show mixed results. The best bet is to talk with your doctor about whether vitamin D could ward off the symptoms of depression.

How Does Sun Give You  Vitamin D ?When the sun shines on bare skin, your body makes its own vitamin D. This is the major source of vitamin D, but it's not enough for many people. Fair-skinned people might get enough in 5-10 minutes on a sunny day, a few times a week. But cloudy days, the low light of winter, and the use of sun block (important to avoid skin cancer) all interfere. Older people and those with darker skin tones don't make as much from sun exposure. Experts say it's better to rely on food and supplements.
Dining With Vitamin DMany of the foods we eat have no naturally occurring vitamin D. Fish such as salmon, swordfish, or mackerel is one big exception -- and can provide a healthy amount of vitamin D in one serving. Other fatty fish such as tuna and sardines have some "D," but in much lower amounts. Small amounts are found in egg yolk, beef liver, and fortified foods like cereal and milk. Cheese and ice cream do not usually have added vitamin D.
 Start Your Day With Vitamin DChoose your breakfast foods wisely, and you can get a substantial amount of vitamin D. Most types of milk are fortified, including some soy milks. Orange juice, cereal, bread, and some yogurt brands also commonly have added vitamin D. Check the labels to see how much "D" you're getting.
Vitamin D SupplementsFor people who want to take vitamin D in pill form, there are two kinds: D2 (ergocalciferol), which is the type found in food, and D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the type made from sunlight. They're produced differently, but both can raise vitamin D levels in your blood. Most multivitamins have 400 IU of vitamin D. Check with your health care provider for the best supplements for your needs.

Are You Vitamin D Deficient?Problems converting vitamin D from food or sunshine can set you up for a deficiency. Factors that increase your risk include:
Age 50 or older
Dark skin
A northern home
Overweight, obese, gastric bypass surgery
Milk allergy or lactose intolerance
Liver or digestive diseases, such as Crohn's disease or celiac
Vitamin D for Older ChildrenMost children and adolescents don't get enough vitamin D from drinking milk. They should have a supplement with 400 IU to 600 IU. That amount is often included in chewable multivitamins. Children with some chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. Talk to your child's doctor about the need for extra vitamin D.
How Much Is Too Much Vitamin D?Some researchers suggest taking far more vitamin D than the 600 IU daily guideline for healthy adults. But too much be dangerous. Very high doses of vitamin D can raise your blood calcium level, causing damage to blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. The Institute of Medicine sets the upper tolerable limit at 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day. You can't get too much vitamin D from the sun. Your body simply stops making more. But sun exposure without sunscreen can raise your risk of skin cancer.
Drugs That Interact With  Vitamin DSome drugs cause your body to absorb less vitamin D. These include laxatives, steroids, anti-seizure and anti-cholesterol medicines. If you take digoxin, a heart medicine, too much vitamin D can raise the level of calcium in your blood and lead to an abnormal heart rhythm. It's important to discuss your use of vitamin D supplements with your doctor or pharmacist.

Vitamin D and Other CancersHeadlines tout vitamin D as a way to prevent breast and prostate cancer. But researchers don't yet have enough evidence to say that the benefits are real. And, vitamin D may boost the risk of pancreatic cancer. The VITAL Study -- a Harvard university study -- of vitamin D and omega-3 is following 20,000 volunteers to find answers. In the meantime, a healthy body weight, regular exercise, and the diet guidelines of the American Cancer Society may help prevent cancer.
Vitamin D and Heart DiseaseLow levels of vitamin D have been linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Still, it's not clear whether boosting vitamin D will reduce heart risks and how much vitamin D is needed. Very high levels of vitamin D in the blood can actually harm blood vessels and the heart by increasing the amount of calcium in the bloodstream.
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