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Facts about Vitamin D you need to know
Vitamin D is constantly in the news today. Even if we know it's good for health bones, now tells us that vitamin D is associated with a wide variety of health problems and people are often vitamin D deficient To understand the benefits, important to understand the basic concepts of vitamin D and why it is so important for good health.
What that vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is produced in our body. For the body to produce vitamin D, should be exposed to adequate sunlight (about one hour per week). Vitamin D we get from sunlight and fortified foods should become an active form in our bodies. This involves both the liver and kidneys. The active form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or calcitriol. As we age, we produce less vitamin D. Moreover, most of us in the Northwest are not sufficient to produce sunlight into vitamin D.
What is it?
Vitamin D is best known for his role in bone health. It is necessary to absorb calcium. Therefore, people with low levels Vitamin D may be more likely to osteoporosis or joint pain. However, new research shows that vitamin D functions in the body much more than help our bones.
Vitamin D also effects on neuromuscular diseases and immune systems and can reduce inflammation. Because of these functions, lack of Vitamin D is related to a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Where I can get vitamin D?
The best sources of vitamin D are fish meat, including tuna, mackerel and salmon and fish liver oils. Fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, yogurt and some cereals contain vitamin D.
How much vitamin D do I need?
The recommended amount of vitamin D for adults by the Canadian Institutes of diet drugs recommended levels are: 200 IU for people 50 years or younger, 400 IU for 51-70 and 600 IU for those over 70. Is the amount necessary to prevent rickets is a disease of the bones and probably not enough to support other functions of vitamin D in the body. These recommendations will be reviewed this year and is more likely to increase to at least 400 IU for younger adults and IU 800-1000 IU for adults.
Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
People at risk Vitamin D deficiency include infants, the elderly, people with limited sun exposure, people with dark skin, those who can not absorb fat and more BMI = 30.
How I can know I'm late?
The best way is to get your vitamin D level measured. This is your tool doctor to determine the appropriate level of vitamin D for you.
"I can take too much vitamin D?
Excess vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness and constipation, along with higher levels of calcium. If calcium and vitamin D supplements are considered superior, there more of a risk of kidney stones or calcification of soft tissues. Yet once that the best way is to have your levels checked to see what treatment right for you.
About the Author
Lou Kupka-Schutt is a resident doctor at
Skagit Valley Hospital
in Mount Vernon, WA, a regional hospital specializing in
Cancer Care, Orthopedics, Heart and Vascualr Care
, and more.
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