10 Things You Didn't Know About Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been in the news a lot recently. What’s all the talk about? Sure, you know you can get vitamin D from the sun, but when the sun isn’t shining, why should you be concerned? Read below to learn more about this essential "vitamin" and what it does for you.
Vitamin D
It’s actually not a vitamin but rather a prohormone: converted to a hormone in response to the sun’s impact on the skin
You’d have to eat 40 eggs to get the 1000IU per day recommended by experts.
Nearly every cell in the body has a receptor for vitamin D.
Your immune system needs adequate vitamin D to work properly.
This wonder nutrient can support overall health by affecting expression of hundreds of genes and signals in your body.
It helps support bone health.
Adequate levels of vitamin D in your body are associated with heart health.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D in a healthy diet throughout life may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Sufficient vitamin D intake may support breast health
Vitamin D may help support a healthy colon
If you would like to learn more about vitamin D you can check out these great articles.
How do you know if you’re at risk for vitamin D deficiency? If you live ABOVE the red line depicted below, you may be at severe risk for vitamin D deficiency. Living in the dark shaded region, our bodies produce very little, if any, vitamin D outside of the sunny summer months.
Ask your doctor about a simple test to get your vitamin D level checked. You can also use an in-home test through ZRT. Either way, $30-$65 is a fair price to pay considering the many benefits of vitamin D. Sunshine is free but when it’s not shining, a simple Vitamin D supplement costs nothing more than $10. I would consider this one a no-brainer!
