Vitamin D deficiency overlooked

Although vitamin D deficiency is very common it's importance is rarely recognised.

A form of Vitamin D (Calcitriol ) is produced and stored in the liver and to some extent other tissues of the body. Because this vitamin is essential for the absorption of several minerals See nutritional data it can have an effect on our ability to achieve weight loss.

A large number of people have this deficiency. Even here in Australia where we can get good sun exposure, it is a fallacy that we receive adequate amounts of this D vitamin due to our climate. Unless you live closer to the equator and are able to wear limited clothing you are not going to get sufficient exposure to the sun to meet your vitamin D requirements.

Older people and particularly people living in elderly hostels are very prone to vitamin D deficiency. It's a shame the benefits of vitamin D are not recognised as these are the people who need it most. This would enhance the absorption of calcium and magnesium both of which are critical for healthy bones and should minimise the broken hip problem we see so much in the elderly.

Vitamin D deficiency is known to be associated in osteoporosis, diabetes and high blood pressure. Many researchers also assert that stroke, heart disease, gum disease, & certain forms of cancer could be associated with this deficiency as well as its effect on weight loss.

If we totally avoid the sun, our bodies require around 4,000 International Units (IU) i.e. 1000 micrograms of Vitamin D per day and by the way, use of sunscreens doesn't just stop sunburn it also stops the creation of vitamin D from the sun.

Foods with vitamin D like Egg yolks, cod liver oil, North sea salmon( not the farmed fish which now represents the bulk of our salmon supply) plus herring and mackerel, all these contain limited sources. A glass of Good quality milk, preferably unprocessed if you can find it, can provide a minimal amount of vitamin D( about 1000 plus iu). Sensible sunlight exposure remains the safest, easiest, and most effective method to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels.

There are many benefits of vitamin D. Without it your body cannot absorb or utilise calcium or magnesium and this problem can affect weight loss and becomes very pronounced as we get older because we tend to wear warmer clothing and therefore get less sun exposure. see weight loss information

Vitamin D3 - known as Cholecalciferol , is the only form of Vitamin D supplement that should be taken. It's the only naturally-occurring form that for our bodies properly recognise. All other forms of Vitamin D are synthetic or artificial chemical copies.

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