What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is imperative in the health of our bones, teeth, immune system and mood regulation. It’s both a nutrient we eat and a hormone that our bodies make.
Often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin,” our primary source for this important nutrient is by production in our skin in the presence of the sun’s ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. Because of our often cloudy weather, especially in the fall and winter months, supplementation of Vitamin D is especially important in our region of the world.
Where do we get Vitamin D?
The active form of Vitamin D is known as cholecalciferol (D3) and is produced by the body when sunlight is absorbed through the skin. For this reason, in Canada people are often found to be deficient in vitamin D. A typical year in Canada only has one season that provides enough sunlight and heat to ensure adequate amounts of skin exposure to the sun. The rest of the year is mainly spent indoors or in long sleeves, pants, jackets with only the face and hands in direct sunlight. Even in the summer months, use of sunscreen (properly applied), can reduce vitamin D absorption by more than 90%!
As mentioned above, there are important uses of vitamin D as it pertains to our health. If we aren’t getting adequate vitamin D absorbed through the skin for 50-75% of the year, then the supplementation of active vitamin D3 can be a beneficial option to maintaining optimal health and for disease prevention.
Food Sources
Very little vitamin D is obtained from food though small amounts can be found in the following foods: Salmon, sardines, egg yolk, shrimp, and some fortified foods such as milk, yogurt and orange juice.
Our clinics offer a variety of Vitamin D3 supplement solutions for both adults and children!
https:www.hsph.harward.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/
