Vitamin D is actually a hormone; it's not even a vitamin and it affects our entire body.  Whenever, you feel fatigued it's quite possible you're Vitamin D levels are low.  Vitamin D helps to maintain your calcium levels and bone homeostasis, so it is arguably the most important vitamin you could take. The

·         Vitamin D helps build up calcium in your body which strengthens bone and teeth health

·         Decreased risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia and some cancers including breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, esophageal and lymphatic 

·         Helps lower blood pressure levels and hypetension

·         Regulates your immune system for optimal efficiency and fighting disease

·         Studies have shown that it can decrease multiple sclerosis in women

What is the recommended daily allowance?

• Adults to age 70: 600 IU
• Adults > 70: 800 IU

How can you get more Vitamin D?

Sunlight and UV light change inactive vitamin D into active vitamin D in the skin.  Approximately 5-30 minutes of sun exposure (longer if you have darker skin) between 10 am and 3 pm at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs or back without sunscreen usually lead to sufficient vitamin D synthesis.  You can also get Vitamin D from fortified milk, fatty fish, cod-liver oil, and eggs.

What are the symptoms of deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is caused by low sun exposure combined with lack of vitamin D fortified foods or malabsorption.  This can cause rickets in children, and in adults, may contribute to increased risk of fractures and falls.  Vitamin D deficiency also leads to reduced absorption of calcium and phosphorus.  Vitamin D stores decline with age and during the winter.

If you take vitamin D supplements, remember there is a chance of toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity include confusion, anorexia, vomiting, and muscle weakness.  The upper limit of this vitamin is defined as 4000 IU, with intoxication at levels of 60,000 IU. 

What are the preventative effects of vitamin D?             

Evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation decreases risk of falls.  The relationship between low vitamin D status and cancer, infections, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases has not been well established.  Supplements typically contain 400 IU, so for higher risk patients, 800 IU is recommended to prevent fractures.