Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin”. Your body makes vitamin D naturally when it is directly exposed to sunlight. You need 5-30 minutes of sun exposure 2- 3 days per week in your hands, face, arms and legs for your body to make and store vitamin D. Vitamin D is fat soluble and can get stored in our body for use later. During the winter, our sun exposure in northern climates is minimal and our bodies synthesize little, if any, vitamin D. Many factors can affect our ability to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D through sun alone. Factors that block /reduce vitamin D production include being in an area with high pollution, using sunscreen, spending more time indoors, poor gut health, the elderly, or having darker skin. During winter months, it is particularly important to get vitamin D through certain foods and supplements.
Vitamin D has many health benefits including:
Vitamin D enhances immune function. Supplementation of vitamin D daily during cold and flu season can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing influenza and other common viral illnesses.
Helps to regulate cell growth which may help to prevent cancer and reduce inflammation in the body.
Supports bone health by helping your body pull calcium into bone.
Recent studies suggest it may help to support weight loss.
Research has also shown that vitamin D may help to regulate mood and ward off depression.
The RDA for vitamin D is 600IU/day, but nutrition experts agree that most adults require at least 1000-2000 international units per day to maintain normal vitamin D levels throughout the winter time. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are good sources of vitamin D as is egg yolk. There are many foods that are also fortified with vitamin D, including milk. Vitamin D deficiency is found through a blood test. Those with deficiency of vitamin D may require much higher levels of vitamin D supplementation. 5,000-10,000 international units per day for several months is not unusual for those who are deficient. As with all supplements, quality is crucial. Schubbe Resch carries a quality vitamin D3 supplement in both 1,000 IU capsules as well as 5,000 IU capsules.
