Of the many supplements available at the drug store, vitamin D probably receives the most press. Why is it so popular? What does it do for the body?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fat and gets stored in body tissue. There are other vitamins, among them the B and C vitamins, which are water soluble; if you take an excess of these, the kidneys will flush them out. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, you run the risk of toxic effects if your dose is too high, and it is important to consult with a pharmacist or other health care practitioner regarding the proper dose for you if you choose to take a supplement.
That said, maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels in our blood is extremely important for overall health, and new benefits are constantly being discovered. Vitamin D helps our bodies use calcium to keep bones strong, so if your diet is calcium-rich but lacking vitamin D, you still may risk osteoporosis. Vitamin D also appears to play a role in cardiovascular health and in avoiding autoimmune disorders. Further, adequate vitamin D levels appear to support the immune system, as there is a connection between low vitamin D and frequent infections.
Vitamin D deficiency is common for many reasons. Not many people consume large amounts of foods containing vitamin D. There are several foods that are fortified with vitamin D to try to bridge this gap, such as milk and dairy alternatives. Fatty fish, mushrooms, and eggs are also natural sources of vitamin D. Another way to increase levels of this important vitamin is sun exposure. Exposing your skin to UV rays causes a compound in your skin to chemically convert sunlight to vitamin D. In addition to all of these vitamin D sources, you may also choose to buy a supplement, if you need to further increase your levels.
While all vitamins play a role in optimal health, vitamin D is multi-faceted. It’s good to focus on all nutrients when planning your healthy, balanced diet, but be sure to include sufficient vitamin D.