Vitamin D
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D (a.k.a. calcitriol) is an important fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D is manufactured by the body from direct skin exposure to sunlight. Excellent food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, fatty fish (salmon and tuna, etc.), eggs and fortified food products.
Vitamin D is important for a healthy phosphorous/calcium balance in the body, and is necessary for bone and cartilage growth and maintenance. Calcium cannot be absorbed unless vitamin D is present in the body. Vitamin D is also essential for proper immune system and nervous system function.
Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children, and is associated with a wide array of unpleasant physical side effects. The deficiency is not as common today as it once was due to the widely adopted practice by manufacturers of fortifying foods with the vitamin.
The ability to synthesize and absorb vitamin D diminishes with age, and is impaired in overweight individuals, putting the obese and elderly populations at a greater risk for deficiency. Strict vegetarians who do not consume fish, eggs or dairy products are also at risk for deficiency. Those who live in climates with limited exposure to direct sunlight may need to increase vitamin D intake to avoid deficiency.
Health Benefits
In addition to being necessary for good health, vitamin D has been shown to have other benefits. Studies have shown that vitamin D may help in the prevention of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and other bone problems. Research shows that vitamin D may help treat parathyroid hormone imbalances and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, an increased risk of contracting tuberculosis, and multiple sclerosis. Research is currently being conducted on the role of vitamin D relative to these conditions.
Vitamin D supplementation may help minimize bone loss associated with taking anti-convulsive or corticosteroid medications.
Usage Indications
Suggested for… |
Recommended Daily Dose |
Age 19 - 50 |
5 mcg (200 IU) |
Age 51 - 70 |
10 mcg (400 IU) |
Age 71+ |
15 mcg (600 IU) |
Pregnancy |
5 mcg (200 IU) |
Lactation |
5 mcg (200 IU) |
Pregnant women should not take more than the recommended dose, as high doses of vitamin D may be unhealthy for the developing fetus.
Strict vegetarians who do not consume animal products should consider a vitamin D supplement. Overweight individuals may need to increase
Consult your physician before using any dietary supplements if you are currently taking any medications, as vitamin D may interact with other medications or drugs you are taking. Vitamin D taken in very large amounts may cause unpleasant side effects including excess thirst, decreased appetite, a metal taste, bone pain, weight loss, fatigue, etc. Use as directed.
 |
Product List for Vitamin D |
|
|
|
|