In the world of vitamins, vitamin D stands alone.
For starters, vitamin D isn’t really a vitamin at all (even though it’s often categorized as such). Vitamin D is actually a hormone.
Vitamin D is produced from cholesterol when sunlight passes through your skin. It also comes from foods like cod liver oil, egg yolks, and fortified milk.
The active version of vitamin D is a hormone called calcitriol. Calcitriol is produced by your liver and kidneys such that a constant level is maintained in your blood, while excess vitamin D is stored within your fat tissue.
Surprisingly, an estimated 40% of Americans suffer from low levels of vitamin D. This is likely a result of the following:
- People spending a large percentage of their time indoors.
- The use of sunscreen, which blocks vitamin D production.
- Getting insufficient vitamin D from alternate sources, like vitamin D-rich foods or vitamin D supplements.
The Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D provides a number of important health benefits. These include:
#1. Bone Density
Vitamin D helps your bones to absorb calcium and potassium, which is necessary for keeping bones strong and healthy.
#2. Muscle Strength
The mitochondria within muscle cells need vitamin D to supply energy to your muscles.
#3. Strong Immune System
Vitamin D helps your immune system to fight off the viruses and bacteria that cause disease and inflammation. Research has linked low vitamin D levels to an increased incidence of various diseases ranging from the common cold and flu to more serious conditions like cancer.
#4. Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin D promotes heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.
#5. Reduced Cancer Risk
Studies have linked vitamin D to lowering the risk of some cancers.
#6. Anti-Depression
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that impacts mood, is regulated by vitamin D. Studies suggest that vitamin D can reduce depression symptoms.
#7. Stronger Teeth
Just like it does for bones, vitamin D promotes healthier teeth by helping your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus.
#8. Improved Cognitive Function
Higher vitamin D levels in brain tissue have been linked to improved cognitive performance. On the flip side, low vitamin D levels may be related to an increased incidence of dementia.
#9. Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Vitamin D may improve insulin sensitivity and help to regulate blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
#10. Increased Energy
The mitochondria in your cells can’t produce energy without vitamin D. As a result, low levels of vitamin D can leave you feeling tired.
Make the Most of Vitamin D
To maximize the benefits from vitamin D, you can try the following:
- Get 15-20 minutes of sun exposure each day before you put on sunscreen.
- Get your time in the sun before noon to limit exposure to harmful UV rays.
- Add foods to your diet that are rich in vitamin D.
- Even with sun exposure and a diet rich in foods containing vitamin D, most people will still be vitamin D deficient to some degree. The good news is that vitamin D supplements can help to make up the difference. However, it’s a good idea to get your vitamin D levels tested before beginning to take vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is stored in the body and can become toxic if levels become too high.
Would you like to know if you’re vitamin D deficient? At Renew Youth, we can test your vitamin D level, and recommend supplementation if you’re deficient. Call us at (800) 859-7511 or use our contact form to set up your free 30-minute consultation.