Vitamin: D | Benefits

There has been plenty of press recently about vitamin D as a brilliant nutrient with the power to boost your mood, prevent cancer, and even keep us youthful. We all know that we get vitamin D from sunlight, but what does it do, and how can we get enough of it?

There are many benefits that we get from Vitamin D such as:

• Strong Teeth and Bones: Vitamin D helps absorb phosphorus and calcium to create robust bones and teeth. A lack of vitamin D can result in poor bone mineralization, causing conditions like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, which can lead to osteoporosis.
• Strong Immune System: Vitamin D helps strengthen your immune system, fighting off colds and even cancer. Studies show that people who receive less daylight have a higher chance of getting cancers like breast, bowel, and prostate cancers.
• Prevents Auto-immune Diseases: Deficiencies in vitamin D are linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and bowel disease.
• Mood and Cognitive Functions: Vitamin D plays an essential role in mood regulation, thinking, and memory. Seasonal depression is often linked to a lack of sunlight and low vitamin D levels.
• Slows Aging: Vitamin D also helps maintain skin health and can slow the aging process.

It's estimated that nearly half of people may be deficient in vitamin D, with the elderly being most at risk. In recent years, there's been an increase in vitamin D deficiency due to people avoiding sunlight to prevent skin cancer and aging. While sunscreen protects the skin, it also prevents vitamin D absorption. A balance is essential to ensure you get enough sunlight to boost your vitamin D levels.

Though some foods like eggs, salmon, and tuna contain vitamin D, sunlight is the best source. If you're avoiding the sun, ensure you get enough vitamin D through supplements or fortified foods. Several good supplements are available in the market, but do your research to ensure you're investing in a quality product.