Vitamin D and You

Day in and day out, if you are a consumer of news on the internet you are barraged with health news. Of course it’s not as sexy as politics or the latest celebrity scandal but health care remains one of the most talked about and concerning issues for Americans. Now my citation is older, it’s a study from 2011 which states that 42% of American adults are deficient in Vitamin D Source

There really isn’t any data that I could find that suggests this number has moved much but first lets iron out what vitamin D does for you.

1. Vitamin D helps you absorb Calcium which supports bone health.
2. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and the neuromuscular system.
3. Improved neurological function
4. Boosted immune health
5. Enhanced cell growth and rejuvenation
6. Fighting against inflammation in the body

Most importantly the biggest organ in your body, your skin naturally produces Vitamin D when in sunlight. So what are some of the benefits of taking vitamin D as a supplement? There is a lot of anecdotal evidence, there are also studies ongoing. The 2011 study I cited above states : “Mounting evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency could be linked to several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. “ Now this is somewhat misleading IMHO because when you have a study that determines that 42% of Americans are deficient in something you can indirectly link issues those 42% have to said deficiency.

However this study Is looking at the correlation between seasonal disorder to vitamin D deficiency. Simply put, they want to determine if in the winter and cold months, are people depressed because they are unable to absorb Vitamin D processed by the skin, while you are in the sun? It’s a good logical extrapolation really. Often in my life I have heard the old saying, “everyone’s mood improves when they get out in the sunlight”.

I’ve heard this from older people when I was young, they were insinuating that sun = better mood, which we now know means increased vitamin D. Obviously they were not scientist but many times “old wives tales” are derived from years of observation. In the end I think it’s wise to start supplementing with Vitamin D, and as its Spring time to head out side and get some sunlight.