Today we are going to talk about vitamin D. We will get acquainted with it and answer some frequently asked questions.

First of all, what is Vitamin D?  Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin found in some foods that can also be produced in our bodies when we have exposure to sunlight.  What exactly is a fat soluble vitamin? Vitamins can be both fat and water-soluble. The body can store excess fat soluble vitamins and it releases excess water-soluble vitamins in the urine.  Thus, fat soluble vitamins can be toxic if we ingest too much.

There are two forms of Vitamin D in supplements:  D₂ (ergocalciferol) and D₃ (calcitriol or as it is found in supplements- cholecalciferol).  Calcitriol is the activated form of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D) that the body makes the skin on our face, arms, back or legs have sun light exposure.

How much vitamin D to you need?  The current FDA recommended daily allowance is dependent on your age and sex.  The current average recommended by the government for most children and adults is 200 IU (2,000 IU at most).  But most people in the northern United States can be found to be deficient in Vitamin D in which case a supplement of 5,000 IU can be taken.  The best way to find if you are deficient is to have a blood test.

As people get older they can develop a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and fracture easier than normal as a result of a fall.  Young children can also develop a disorder called rickets which is a condition that leads to softening of the bones.  Some symptoms of rickets include impaired growth, increased bone fractures, muscle cramps, and skeletal deformities such as bowed legs.

Who should take Vitamin D?  People who avoid the sun, cover most of their body with sunscreen or clothing, or live in the northern regions of the country in the winter months should all maintain a good source of Vitamin D in our diet or decide to take a supplement.  You may also be deficient in Vitamin D if you are lactose intolerant, don’t drink milk products, or follow a vegetarian diet.

Some food sources that contain Vitamin D are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel and fortified milk.  Beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and some mushrooms also contain small amounts.

To learn more about Vitamin D, here are some links to follow up with:

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/treatment.shtml

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

Also visit our website:  www.alignchiromedical.com