The Importance of Vitamin D

It has been estimated that 1 in every 3 Americans is Vitamin D deficient.  Vitamin D is something both men and women should be concerned about, as it has a correlation with bone health, multiple sclerosis, certain cancers and it can boost the immunity of an expectant mother. A simple blood test would be able to show what levels you are at.

 

Vitamin D is essential in helping the body use calcium from your diet properly. Don’t be fooled by the outdated notion that the best and only source of this vitamin is through fortified milk. Other great sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, certain varieties of fish (catfish, salmon, mackerel, sardine, tuna, eel), eggs, and alfalfa. And of course, the exposure to sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D consumption. That is why it is especially important to be mindful of your consumption during the dark, winter season.

 

A Vitamin D supplement is the easiest way to add it to your daily routine. Many supplements offer the benefits of both calcium and vitamin D. Women shouldn’t wait until they are nearing old age to take a supplement of D and calcium or to augment their diets to include more of this vitamin. The benefits of these vitamins may be less consequential in postmenopausal women.

 

Take a quick audit of your current diet and assess your vitamin D intake; there may be room to improve!