Continuous research is being done on the benefits of Vitamin D. It is now believed that vitamin D can potentially prevent and treat various long-term health problems. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer, asthma, type I and type II diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. More research is still needed in these areas.
It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, as only some foods naturally contain it. It is found in fortified milk, cheese, egg yolks, fatty fish meat, cod liver oil, beef liver, and fortified breakfast cereals. Our body can also make its vitamin D from ultraviolet B rays. Vitamin D3 is produced in your skin when exposed to the sun. According to the Vitamin D Council, vitamin D production "takes about half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and burn". It may take 15 minutes for a person with very fair skin or up to 2 hours for someone with darker skin. So, it is essential to limit skin exposure to sunlight. No studies can tell us whether UVB-induced vitamin D synthesis can occur without skin cancer risk. The Skin Cancer Foundation cautions against intentionally exposing yourself to sunlight or tanning beds to obtain vitamin D due to the health risks of UV exposure.
People at risk for vitamin D deficiency include:
Fair skin produces vitamin D more quickly. People who often stay indoors or who cover a lot of their skin produce more vitamin D. The more skin is exposed, the more vitamin D will be produced.
People living at high latitudes are at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency because UVB radiation at Earth's surface is reduced, especially during winter. It has been observed that vitamin D is not produced in the skin during the winter months between November and February in Boston (42° north latitude). Minnesota is at 46°N latitude, which also puts us at higher risk for Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. In the 1980s and 1990s, several observations showed that living at high latitudes increases the risk of developing and dying from colon, prostate, breast, and many other cancers. It has been suggested that there may be a link between low production of vitamin D3 and vitamin D deficiency.
There are two forms of Vitamin D: vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D capsule and supplements are usually available over the counter as vitamin D3, but prescription forms generally contain vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 and D3 appear equivalent in nutritional dosage, but vitamin D2 is less effective in higher doses. Discuss with your doctor which form will be best for you.
Can You Get Too Much Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that dissolves in fat and is stored in tissues. As it is stored, it can accumulate to toxic levels, causing adverse health effects. Due to increasing awareness of the potential dangers of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, consumers take higher doses than recommended in a "more should be better" approach. Consumers need to realize its risks. Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by megadoses of vitamin D supplements, not diet or sun exposure. This can lead to calcium buildup in the blood. In that case, it is essential to monitor your blood levels as directed by your doctor. This should be checked three months after the start of treatment. People can also use the best Vitamin D supplements for their health.
Conclusion
The risk of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is exceptionally high in Minnesota. There is a lot of conflicting information and recommendations about why vitamin D may be beneficial beyond bone health. This includes how much vitamin D you should take to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D and what is considered sufficient levels in the body. Still, more research needs to be done. You can choose Steadfast Nutrition's best vitamin D for good results. Steadfast Nutrition is a premium nutrition brand that provides the best nutrition for all types of human bodies. Buy vitamin D at Steadfast Nutrition without any hesitation.
