I’m D-FICIENTL – are you?

Yes, it’s true and I’m on my 2nd round of a high dose prescription Vitamin D to try to get me back up to where I need to be.  But how can we get more disease fighting, fatigue-banishing vitamin D – without exposing ourselves to sun’s damaging rays?
Not many years ago vitamin D was thought of as nothing more than calcium’s helper but research now suggests that vitamin D may be the biggest nutritional superhero of all.    Scientists have uncovered up to 2,000 different genes – roughly one sixth of the human genome – that are regulated by this nutrient, which means that everything our body does relies on it.  Without enough vitamin D, your body works far below its potential.  I know I’m not and you’re probably not getting anywhere near the right amount.

Nutrition’s new MVP
In the past few years, studies have shown that a lack of vitamin D may be the primary culprit in depression, heart disease, pregnancy problems, birth defects, skin and other cancers, and multiple sclerosis.  Even if you don’t suffer from any of these conditions, patients report a dramatic improvement in their feeling of overall well-being after they increase their vitamin D levels.  The government is being urged by experts to raise its recommended daily amount of vitamin D for adults from 200 IU to at least 1,000 IU, possibly more.

Why we’re D-Ficient
Experts believe that up to 77% of Americans are vitamin D deficient even though it is one of the few vitamins our bodies can actually make.  Sunlight converts a cholesterol-like substance naturally found in the skin into D.  Problem is, thanks to UV rays and skin cancer, soaking up the sun to make more vitamin D would do you more harm than good.  For your skin to make enough, you’d need direct midday summer sunlight on a large portion of your body for 15 minutes day y – risking serious sun damage.  To make matters worse, D is missing from the food we eat.  Only certain kinds of fish and fortified dairy have enough D to brag about, and it would be hard to consume enough of both in one day to get 1,000-plus IU.

Easy to Swallow
There’s a simple way to get your D up without baking in the sun.  It’s not often that nutrition experts say it’s better to get a vitamin from a pill than from food, but D is the exception.  Supplementation is the easiest, cheapest and safest way to make sure you’re covered and here’s what to do:

1. Take a daily multivitamin or a vitamin D supplement that provides at least 1,000 IU. 
2. When buying supplements or fortified foods, make sure the label reads “D3”, which is the same kind your skin makes.
3. Get your blood levels measured, especially if you have a family history of heart disease, cancer, or depression. 

I’m so glad that my doctor tested me on my annual check-up or I would never have known.  Because my levels were extremely low, my doctor recommended higher doses of D until it levels out then you can bet I’ll keep on track.

To your skin health,
Linda

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