What is Vitamin D and Why do I Need It?

Vitamin D is a specific steroid fat soluble vitamin that is responsible for the absorption of phosphate and calcium throughout the intestine and body. There are 5 different forms of vitamin D that have been found which are D5, D4, D3, D2, and D1. Although there are five different forms of this fat soluble vitamin, the two that are important to humans are ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2), and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) which can be produced in the skin or via food substances that contain high levels of it. Sunlight is a common and most notable way of producing this vitamin. Although sun exposure is a great way of producing Vitamin D, long
exposure is not advised because of the risk of skin damage and cancer.

 

 

 

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED VITAMIN D?
It is vitally important for humans to have vitamin D for the proper absorption of calcium to help with increased bone growth. When low calcium levels exist in the body it can result in weakened bones, rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and other bone deformities that may occur throughout the normal human growing period.

Vitamin D is also important for other functions within the body and has been found to be linked to colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, prostate cancer, weight gain, depression, and other maladies when a Vitamin D deficiency occurs within the body. Vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms including re-occurring flu's, muscle weakness, Psoriasis, chronic kidney disease, Diabetes, asthma, Peridontal disease, cardiovascular disease, and schizophrenia.

Studies have shown that people who were diagnosed with a higher level of Vitamin D have a lower risk of a disease formation. In humans this vitamin also helps to regulate the neuromuscular system and immune system, and also helps in promoting a healthy life cycle of human cells.

RECOMMENDED AMOUNTS OF VITAMIN D?

Because Vitamin D is an important role for the human body, it is vital that normal levels are maintained to ensure proper functions and calcium absorption is completed. The daily recommended amounts of Vitamin D according to the United States Institute of Medicine are:

• Pregnant/lactating: 600IU per day (15 μg per day)
• Age: 1–70 years: 600IU per day (15 μg per day)
• Age: 71+ years: 800IU per day (20 μg per day)

The upper intake level or as referred to as the highest level that can be taken without causing harm (Although should not be taken for prolonged use) is:

• Pregnant/lactating: 4,000 IU
• Age: 0–6 months: 1,000 IU
• Age: 6–12 months: 1,500 IU
• Age: 1–3 years: 2,500 IU
• Age: 4–8 years: 3,000 IU
• Age: 9–71+ years: 4,000 IU

Studies have shown that people with a higher concentration of melanin—darker skin tones—absorb less sunlight; making it more difficult to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin D compared to individuals with lighter skin tones. Darker skinned individuals may need to seek advice from their doctor to test and manage the condition if symptoms of a deficiency occur.

It is also important before taking Vitamin D supplements that you are tested and confirmed to have this deficiency. If an overdose of Vitamin D occurs (although quite rare) it can cause life threatening conditions including kidney failure and liver failure and/or damage.

RECOMMENDED VITAMIN D PRODUCTS FROM BLUE SKY VITAMIN:

• D-3 1000iu by Metagenics
• D3 5000 IU 200 gels by PhysioLogics
• Vitamin D Complex 60 vcaps by Designs for Health