Vitamin D promotes cell growth, reduces inflammation, influences immune function, and support neuromuscular function. Studies have shown vitamin D can help prevent upper respiratory infections. Can be found in foods, supplements, and exposure to the sun. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem in the United States and globally. Deficiency is defined as blood levels below 30 nmol/L.
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
Mood changes and depression
Bone and hair loss
Muscle cramps (or weakness)
Bone and joint pain (especially in your back)
Fatigue
The two main reasons that vitamin D deficiency is so prevalent are:
There are few natural dietary sources of vitamin D, including fatty fish and liver, and many people either don’t have access to these foods or don’t eat a diet that includes them. ⠀
We aren’t being exposed to enough sunlight to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D, because of geographic location, seasonality, spending more time indoors, the use of sunscreen and cover-ups when outdoors, and other social factors. ⠀⠀
The NHS recommends 10mcg of vitamin D every day. Vitamin D is being studied for its potential to fight diseases and potential problems, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
While most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs when the skin is directly exposed to the sun, fortified foods provide most of Americans' vitamin D.
How You Can Get Vitamin D:
15-30 minutes of sun exposure every day
Fatty fish such as salmon or tuna
Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks
Mushrooms
Fortified milk
Cod liver oil
Most foods only contain a small amount of vitamin D and cold winter months reduce sun exposure
We typically think of vitamin D in terms of bone health. However, vitamin D also plays many other roles in the body, one of which is its importance for immune health. Vitamin D is considered an immune system modulator where it:
• Reduces inflammatory messengers, called cytokines⠀
• Increases immune cell function, particularly of macrophages⠀
• Increases the antimicrobial actions of immune and other cells⠀
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The result is that vitamin D stimulates immune defenses, but also keeps the immune system in check so it doesn’t become overactive.
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Are you getting enough vitamin D? If you think you might be deficient in vitamin D or need help optimizing your levels, please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online.
Schedule your consultations with the best doctors in Lynn, MA!
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