We all know that vitamin D, also known as the sunshine 🌞 vitamin, is important to our wellbeing. Sadly, many older adults get diagnosed with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Children can also be deficient in this essential vitamin, which can lead to a bone problem known as rickets. We all need vitamin D and calcium to make and maintain healthy and strong bones. Vitamin D is also vital in the prevention of some diseases. Do you also know that there have been some discussion in the literature about the benefits of vitamin D in improving one’s mental well being and brain function. Some say low levels play a role in depression.
According to the NIH, people who might need extra vitamin D include:
Older adults
Breastfed infants
People with dark skin
People with certain conditions, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease
People who are obese or who have had gastric bypass surgery
Exercising outdoors in the sunshine, eating foods rich in vitamin D, and/or taking dietary supplements to improve vitamin D deficiency is very beneficial to the body. What is there to lose? While on lockdown during this pandemic period, let’s try as much as we can to boost our vitamin D levels.
Of course, too much of everything is not good, so as always, check with your health care provider on the use of any OTC supplement even if it is as simple as vitamin D. You need to know the dose that is appropriate for you if you have to take any. Too much of it can lead to the buildup of calcium in your blood resulting in nausea, constipation, confusion, abnormal heart rhythm, and even kidney stones.
Image credit: AAFP
