Benefits of Vitamin D

 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone development and plays a role in neurological, muscular-skeletal and immune function.

Bone Health: Vitamin D promotes intestinal calcium absorption as well as helps to maintain adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which is necessary for healthy bone mineralization.

Immune Function: An adequate intake of vitamin D may support good immune function and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases. It also helps to maintain intestinal permeability and gut health, which is also essential for our immunity.

Mood: Because vitamin D is essential to help maintain intestinal permeability, a deficiency can lead to poor serotonin production in the gut.

We can get Vitamin D through a variety of sources:

  • the sun exposure

  • our food

  • nutritional supplements.

Foods that are high in vitamin D, like salmon and tuna, can be consumed to keep optimal levels. Juices and milk fortified with vitamin D, along with beef liver and cod liver oil are food sources that are rich in the vitamin as well.

Taking a nutritional supplement can also raise Vitamin D levels. People usually take 2,000iu to 5,000iu daily. Ensure that you are taking a quality vitamin that has been tested and free of harmful ingredients.

Vitamin D absorption can be hindered by lack of sun exposure, darker skin color, obesity, gastric bypass, older age and limited ability to absorb fat.

Diseases that can cause deficiency are Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Obesity, Kidney disease, and Liver Disease.

What are some signs of vitamin D deficiency?

  • fatigue

  • anxious or depressed mood

  • bone pain

  • muscle pain or weakness

While you can have too little vitamin D, you can also have too much. The most common symptoms of excessive vitamin D include

  • loss of appetite

  • headache

  • nausea

  • dry mouth

  • a metallic taste

  • vomiting

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

Vitamin D is an essential component to overall wellness. Ensuring you have enough Vitamin D to support your health is crucial and a serum level of 70-80 is optimal.

If you are curious about your Vitamin D level, get it tested. Here at Tru Wellness we can complete serum blood draws or a finger poke to determine where you are at and if supplementation is needed.

Tru Wellness also offers Vitamin D IV Therapy, which are a quick and easy way to boost your Vitamin D levels without the use of supplementation. These once a month injections help you optimize your Vitamin D levels without having to remember to take a daily pill. Contact us to explore Vitamin D testing and see if IV Therapy is right for you.

 
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