Reasons to Take Vitamin D

Have you considered taking a Vitamin D supplement? Why are so many people taking Vitamin D supplements?

Vitamin D is credited with a variety of benefits. It’s known to improve mood, support calcium absorption, and prevent hypertension, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer. If you are lacking Vitamin D, you may be at higher risk of developing brittle bones, cardiovascular issues, rickets, and diabetes.

It's very possible that you are Vitamin D deficient. If you religiously wear sunscreen and avoid the sun, you might be deficient.

How much Vitamin D should you take? Doctors are debating this topic, but baically it is agreed that you need somewhere in the range of 200-2000 IU a day. You probably want to keep your consumption to under 2000 IU because most doctors think anything over that amount can be potentially toxic. The most popular answer right now is to take about 1000 IU a day.

But what are good sources of Vitamin D? You can get a natural dose of Vitamin D by sunbathing. You will get a baseline (200 IU) amount of Vitamin D if you spend ten minutes a day (unprotected) in direct sunlight. Some scientists think we'd benefit from about twenty minutes in the sun each day before hiding underneath the SPF30 sunblock. Other doctors say the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and skin damage isn't worth the benefits; these doctors suggest you find another way to get your Vitamin D.

You can take Vitamin D supplements (but be careful not to overdose). Your daily vitamin may now provide a large dose of Vitamin D. Drink orange juice and milk fortified with Vitamin D. Eat eggs and fish, and try good old fashioned cod liver oil for a natural dose of Vitamin D.

Ask your doctor about Vitamin D at your next visit, and see if a supplement might be a good idea.