Even As An Adult, Vitamin D Remains Crucial To Health

It's very common to hear pediatricians urging parents to give their children Vitamin D fortified milk

. This is because children are building bones and setting up calcium reserves in their body and D helps with the absorption of calcium and aids in proper bone formation.

But what about adults? Does D remain necessary as we age? Unequivocably, Yes. Vitamin D is necessary throughout our lives for more than just maintaining healthy bones.

Whether Child or Adult, Vitamin D Has Benefits Beyond the Bones

You already know that Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. This is true throughout your life since our bodies are constantly using and replenishing calcium. The nutrient helps to increase bone density and decrease fractures and your risk of bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

But there are more reasons to make sure you're getting adequate amounts of D. Some physicians and research have shown that too little of this important nutrient may play a role in heart disease and diabetes and several types of cancers. D also helps regulate the immune system and the neuromuscular system.

If you're still not sure you need Vitamin D, consider this, this nutrient is so important to our bodies that we make it ourselves - through sun exposure!

Not Enough Sun

Despite the fact that we can produce D on our own, many of us are deficient in this essential nutrient. There could be many reasons for this from increased usage of sunscreen to simply less time spent outdoors during peak sunshine hours. This is particularly true if you live in a northern climate. There's just not enough strong sun all year to maintain healthy levels through sun exposure alone.

Where to Get Your D

If you're concerned about too much sun exposure or simply can't get enough sun for your body to produce D on its own, you can eat foods that contain the nutrient, although those foods are few in number. Milk with D added is usually the number one recommended choice for getting D with the added benefit of getting your calcium too! Even lactose-free milk can be found with Vitamin D added if you have dairy sensitivity or are lactose-intolerant. Other foods that are rich in the nutrient are: almost all fish including: sockeye salmon, sardines, trout, mackeral and oysters, fish oil and egg yolks. Many dairy and grain products have been fortified with D.

Since Vitamin D is not available in many foods, supplementation is often needed. This is particularly true for vegetarians and the elderly. Vegetarians usually don't get the D they need because so much of it is found in animal-based products while the elderly often have more trouble absorbing and converting the nutrient into its active form.

Since nutrient levels are so dependent on age, lifestyle and diet it is difficult to know how much supplmentation you need. To get started, ask your doctor to perform a simple blood test to check your levels. From there, you can work together to determine how much supplementation you need and how best to get it.

by: Project

POST COMMENT

Health Insurance In A Florida Divorce How B Complex Vitamins Benefits Your Health Common Cat Health Questions How To Address Cat Health Problems Skechers Women Trainers For Your Overall Health Benefit! Electronic Cigarette - A Safe Bet For A Healthy Living! Buy Electronic Cigarette And Enjoy Smoking In A Healthy Way! Save Your Time And Money Through Electronic Cigarette Wholesale Purchase Electronic Cigarette Cartridges - Take You To The World Of Happy Vaping Massive Health Benefits Available At Chiropractor Websites Health Insurance Fundamentals Skin Care Products Helps To Have Healthy Skin! Acne Tips On How You Can Achieve Healthy Skin