Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin

Now that summer is at it’s peak,  we all can enjoy some time in the sun soaking up the rays. By rays I mean, Vitamin D.  Vitamin D is a vitamin that we can get without having to eat anything, we soak it up through our skin and it gets converted to Vitamin D.

Why do we need Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is important because it does several things to promote health in our bodies.  It is used to keep your bones and teeth strong  by helping with calcium absorption and regulation.   It also helps to prevent inflammation, which can benefit illnesses with inflammation.

Where do you find it?

Besides the sun, vitamin D can be found in other sources of food that also make it.   Some of the food sources that contains high amounts of Vitamin D are shrimp, sardines, cod and eggs.

What happens when you don’t have enough?

When you are Vitamin D deficient you can decrease the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, this can lead to frail bones, bone deformities and rickets.  Things that may lead to low Vitamin D levels are diets low in fat, and being fully covered while being in the sun, and wearing sunscreen.  When in the sun, try to be exposed for 20 mins before covering up.

Unfortunately here in Northern Ontario, even in the summer, we don’t get enough sunlight to produce sufficient levels of Vitamin D.  Taking a supplement would be a good idea to keep your Vitamin D levels up, the best supplements are D3 (D2 doesn’t process well in your body, and will have less of an effect).  So enjoy being in the warm sun and remeber what it is doing to benefit you.