As summer comes to a close, even in Florida, many of us will start spending less days at the pool or beach giving us the daily opportunity to soak up the sunshine and produce essential vitamin D. While vitamin D is commonly associated with good bone health, it is also responsible for a multitude of other functions throughout the body. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an array of health problems such as depression, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.
Fortunately, now that the sun is hiding behind the clouds, there are still ways to ensure you are getting enough vitamin D to maintain a healthy body. Supplementing with vitamin D can be an effective way to meet your daily dose and avoid any unpleasant health consequences.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in the body. It helps to regulate calcium and phosphate absorption in the body and aids in bone growth and cell building. It also supports the immune system and has been linked to cancer prevention, neurological function, and mood regulation.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D?
Although the sun is the most effective way to produce vitamin D, many people are unable to get enough vitamin D purely from sunlight. The UVB rays from the sun are too weak or are blocked by sunscreen, clothing, or living in a region with minimal access to sunlight.
It is because of these limitations that you may need to find alternative ways to get vitamin D, such as a diet rich in vitamin D or supplements.
It can, however, be challenging to get adequate vitamin D from food alone, especially for vegetarians or those who do not eat a lot of fish. Therefore, a vitamin D supplement is often the most practical way to get your daily dose.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
To correctly supplement, it’s necessary to know how much vitamin D you need. While there’s some conjecture, the Institute of Medicine recommends 600-800 international units (IU) per day for adults. Depending on your age and individual needs, supplementation may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor.
Positive Health Benefits of Supplementing with Vitamin D
Several randomized controlled trials have shown that vitamin D supplementation can improve overall bone health, including reducing bone loss and decreasing the incidence of fractures. It may be beneficial for your immune system and ward off the flu and other viral infections. Studies suggest that increasing vitamin D status may prevent some cancers and decrease the severity of multiple sclerosis. One report shows that supplementing with vitamin D could help depressed individuals.
The Take Away
Getting enough vitamin D is crucial for maintaining good health, and as the summer months end, it’s important to consider alternative ways to supplement. Vitamin D has an array of benefits, including improved bone health and reduced risk of depression, autoimmune disorders, and even some cancers. Supplementation is essential for those who face a challenge in obtaining vitamin D from food sources or sunlight. As always, it is recommended to check with your doctor about any supplemental needs to ensure that you are taking the right dose to promote optimal health.
At Internal Medicine Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers, we approach care with a focus on the well-being and health of the individual not just halting the symptoms. We are a concierge member-only service where we are structured to be able to give each patient our full attention and the best care possible.
Please visit www.IMWLP.com to learn more or sign on as a patient! For more information or to book an initial appointment please call our office at (239) 362-3005 Ext 200.
