SUNSHINE IN A CAPSULE: THE POWER OF VITAMIN D
Whenever you hear about Vitamin D, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Most people think of milk and strong, healthy bones. Although both things are correct, the purpose of this week’s blog is to give more beneficial information on Vitamin D than just strong, healthy bones and finding the best sources of Vitamin D.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin found in foods such as fish, beef, milk, eggs, cheese and mushrooms. Food, however, is not our best source of Vitamin D. Our best source of Vitamin D is natural sunlight. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes Vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun’s ultraviolet B rays stimulate receptor cells in the skin to convert cholesterol into synthesized Vitamin D3.
Vitamin D deficiency is fairly common globally and most common in individuals over 65 years of age and in those who have darker skin tones. Individuals who are deficient are at higher risk of weakened bones and muscles, fatigue and joint pain. Two major complications of Vitamin D are conditions called hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood) which leads to a secondary problem called hypoparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands attempting to keep blood calcium levels normal).
A further complication includes a condition called osteomalacia, (known as Ricketts in children) a condition that results in the softening of bones. This increases the likelihood of bone fractures.
Vitamin D’s biggest benefit is regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to maintain healthy bones and teeth, but it also helps with immune support and is used as an anti-inflammatory.
At our office, we recommend Vitamin D to all of our patients, especially our geriatric patients because of decreased bone density, a natural part of the aging process. We recommend Vitamin D be taken early as a precaution and management of proper calcium and phosphorus absorption. We also highly recommend Vitamin D supplementation in the winter months for both immune support and because we get less sun exposure in the colder months.
If you have any questions about Vitamin D, please call us at (724) 547-3377 and check out our website at www.laurelmountainchiro.com for more content.
Yours In Health,
Brian M. Steinert, DC
Larry E. Wilkins, DC