Vitamin D What You Need To Know.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in assisting the body to absorb calcium through the bowels (namely the small intestine)

. And without calcium, the body would struggle to develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

Our main source of vitamin D is actually produced by the body itself. When UV radiation in sunlight hits our skin, it reacts with a cholesterol-like substance, thus creating vitamin D. Anecdotally, very small amounts of the nutrient can be found in some food and drinks, but is rarely enough to provide the levels that the body needs. Many people get plenty of vitamin D through exposure to the sun from regular outdoor activities. Unfortunately, some people have very minimal sun exposure, which will often result in a vitamin D deficiency. Many experts say that although sun exposure is important so that the body can produce vitamin D, it is always essential to cover up the body when staying outside for long periods of time to avoid the development of dangerous skin cancers.

A lack of vitamin D and calcium can often increase the risk of developing a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

Rickets in children soft, weakened and deformed bones, often coupled with poor or slowed muscle development

Neonatal hypocalcaemia insufficient calcium in the blood of babies who have not had enough vitamin D while in the womb

Osteoporosis a condition commonly found in adults, which shows symptoms of weak, fragile bones

People at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency are:

Babies born to women with a vitamin D deficiency

Children and adults with minimal sun exposure

People who cover the majority of their skin for religious or cultural reasons

People who are confined to the indoors - like the ill or elderly

People with naturally very dark skin

Shift workers

Experts have supposed that eight out of ten people in the abovementioned categories would suffer from some level of vitamin D deficiency. In most cases, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional to see if it is necessary to take a vitamin D supplement.

As previously mentioned, there are some foods and drinks that vitamin D can be found in. Although these levels are not enough to maintain the body's vitamin D requirements, these foods and drinks also contain calcium which is essential in maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Some of the foods that contain both vitamin D and calcium are:

Milk with added vitamin D

Soy milk and other drinks with added vitamin D

Margarine

Eggs

Liver

Fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel.

If you feel that you could be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional. They will be able to assess the problem properly and ensure that your vitamin D levels are maintained.

by: Jeremy Potter

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