What is it Wednesday? – Vitamin D

What it looks like?

What is it?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone, which encourages the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous.  Vitamin D is not naturally found in most foods.

Health benefits?

Vitamin D is important for many reasons.  Here are a few:

• Immune system regulator.
• It is crucial for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphrous which is very important in the maintenance of healthy bones.
• Important for the immune system
• Vitamin D has been linked to maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Important for development and growth.

How to use it?

Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure, food and supplemnents.

People who are exposed to normal quantities of sunlight should not need supplements.  From what I’ve read, if your skin is exposed to 30 minutes of  sunlight each week the body will naturally produce enough vitamin D.  It is important to note that wearing sunscreen will reduce the amount of vitamin D the body absorbs.

It’s possible to get vitamin D even if you don’t get the proper amount of sun exposure.  You can take supplements or use vitamin D fortified foods such as bread, milk, cereals and orange juice.

VC&C thoughts:

Vitamin D was always the sunshine vitamin to me.  I know that sun exposure is important in getting enough of the vitamin.  However, as I mentioned previously, I wear sunscreen to protect my skin which can also cause vitamin D to not sink in.

I’ve toyed with the idea of taking a vitamin D supplement but haven’t done it yet.  I would much rather get my vitamins through food so I’m going to be looking for some fortified foods 🙂

Question:

How do you get your vitamin D?

Disclaimer: I must say I’m not a registered dietitian. This post is based on my own personal knowledge, opinions and research.