The Importance of Vitamin D for Health and Well-Being

One very important nutrient that we need is vitamin D. In this blog, I will discuss vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Did you know that in the United States alone, 35% of the adult population has a vitamin D deficiency? This estimate is conservative. This does not take into account children or people who have not been tested. The percentage is even higher for people with darker skin. The statistics come from people who have already been tested. Therefore, we cannot know exactly how many people are actually deficient in this vitamin. (1) (2)

When the sun hits our skin, the substance 7-dehydrocholestrol is converted into D3. Unfortunately, the skin of older adults has a hard time converting vitamin D3 into its active form. Women who are breastfeeding or infants can become deficient. Many gut disorders, gastric bypass surgery, and any colon surgery can also cause deficiency. Kidney or liver disease, having a sluggish or no gallbladder, and certain medicines contribute too. Additionally, high-SPF sunscreen can lead to deficiency. There are more reasons as well, but these are a list of some ways this can happen.(3) (4)

If you think about it, most Americans are indoors. They are working or going to school under florescent lights about 8 hours a day. Other than the southern states, Americans get very little sun in the fall, winter, or early spring. Most Americans do not get enough sun all year round. They lack daily sun exposure. You can get vitamin D through foods like eggs and fatty fish. Cod liver oil and fortified cow’s milk products are other sources. Mushrooms, beef liver, soy, and a few other foods also provide vitamin D. The problem is that some people are lactose intolerant. Others don’t like fish, are allergic to it like me, or don’t want to eat liver, mushrooms, or soy foods.  

HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE DEFICIENT

There is a blood test called 25-hydroxy. Your doctor can order it for you. This test helps to find out if you are deficient or insufficient in this vitamin, which is actually a hormone. You can click HERE to find out what some of the symptoms are if you do have a deficiency. Vitamin D is fat-soluble. Without a gallbladder, you can develop Bile Acid Deficiency (BAD) in your small intestines. This condition can lead to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, K, or B12. (5)

RECOMMENDED DOSE

The recommended dose for healthy adults is between 600IU to 800IU a day. The higher amounts that are recommended if someone is deficient is anywhere between 1,000IU to 5,000IU. Some newer studies indicate that higher amounts may be safe. This should only be done under the supervision of your doctor. There is still debate in the medical community where the exact vitamin D levels should actually be. This is concerning to me because this tells me they really don’t know for sure. (6) (7)

STATISTICS

People with darker skin statistically are more prone to colon cancer. They also have a higher rate of vitamin D deficiency. In my opinion, there might be a connection with insufficient vitamin D in our bodies. This could possibly cause colon cancer or other health ailments. Currently, testing for vitamin D levels is not recommended for standard testing. If you are an average healthy person, your doctor will more than likely not recommend or order the lab work. You can most definitely ask to have this test done if you are curious about where your levels are. (8)

The medical establishment is so worried about people getting too much vitamin D. They may be missing a connection with rising levels of colon cancer among younger age groups. They have not been able to come to a firm decision on the general populations’ vitamin D levels. Therefore, I think we should take precautions for our own well-being. We should consider that we may be insufficient or fully deficient until we get tested. (9)

BEST WAY TO TAKE VITAMIN D

It’s worth noting something important. When you take a vitamin D3 supplement, it is suggested to take vitamin D3 with K2 together. It is most effective to take it with a main meal. You can buy a supplement that includes both. You also need magnesium in your body. Vitiman D assimilates into your body and cells with sufficient amounts of magnesium.. My gallbladder and part of my colon have been removed. I take a vitamin D3 & K2 dry form supplement that melts in my mouth. I take it with food. The supplement I take is from the company Superior Source, and it is vitamin K-2 with vitamin D3. Before I started taking this particular supplement my Vitiman D levels were low. Now they are in perfect range! Unfortunately one of my children had a mild case of rickets as a baby. Cod liver oil corrected that problem with my child. I cannot take cod liver oil personally because I have a fish allergy. However, cod liver oil is an excellent supplement. (10)

MY PERSONAL OPINION

My personal opinion on this topic is that adults and children are more vitamin D deficient than we realize. I do believe this may be a contributing factor in some diseases or health problems, including some cancers. I also think with the newer studies available, we should not fear taking a higher amount of vitamin D supplements. This should be done under a doctor’s supervision with regular blood tests. These precautions help keep it in a safe range. If we have consumed too much, we can stop taking the supplement right away, and our bodies will stabilize. Doctors can also prescribe vitamin D, which can cause toxicity. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the main reason for vitamin D toxicity. I do think we need to try and get vitamin D from the sun and food. Still, as I have explained, that may not even be possible in some circumstances. (11)

It would be quite sad if a lack of vitamin D was the reason for many major health conditions. These conditions could simply stem from insufficient vitamin D? This blog aims to encourage you to get your vitamin D levels checked. Discuss these levels with your health care practitioner. The reference range is 30 – 100 ng/mL, and they say the normal levels are within that range. Remember, they are still debating about that. They are not completely sure where our levels should really be. I personally want to see mine at the higher end of the range. Don’t be afraid to take a reasonable amount in the supplemental form if you are low. It is very rare to get vitamin D toxicity. Stay happy and healthy!