- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the formation and preservation of bones, vitamin D is important in the absorption of calcium from intestine and kidneys.
- Vitamin D intake is not a good indicator for body vitamin D level because the absorption of this vitamin is affected by other states such as stomach problems.
- Vitamin D can be made in the skin and some factors can affect vitamin synthesis such as using large quantities of sunscreen, being indoor too much, and living at high altitude.
- Vitamin D deficiency causes some problems such as
Osteoporosis
Muscle weakness
Mood disturbances such as anxiety or depression
Chronic pain
Hypertension
- There are some strategies for increasing vitamin D levels in the body.
- Eat foods with adequate vitamin D such as seafood or fish liver oils, cheese has a small amount of vitamin D
- Exposure to sunlight
- Vitamin D supplements: For most adults, 600IU is enough but for children and postmenopausal women 800IU is enough
- For prevention of vitamin D deficiency, we suggest sunlight exposure, drinking milk that is fortified by vitamin D and using vitamin D supplements especially for breastfed infants
- In Canada, all people should take vitamin D in the fall and winter
