The Mighty Vitamin D

The Mighty Vitamin D
What I love about my job is that I do not sit in an office all day.  I can’t complain about not getting fresh air and sunshine every day. During my annual physical earlier this year, my complete blood count (CBC) showed I have insufficient vitamin D.   We hear all the time about the benefits of being outside in the sunlight.  From my research for my challenge, please read on to see why Vitamin D is the mighty D.

Could it be that Vitamin D has been ignored until recently? Recent medical studies have linked vitamin deficiency to a whole host of ailments, including fatigue, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, tooth decay, muscle twitches, joint pain, backaches, cramps, hair loss, and some cancers.

Biology 101 basics state that the body itself makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun. The right amount of sunlight can do wonders for lifting your mood, and the vitamin D you gain from sunlight exposure works to bolster your immune system. In addition to the immune boost that fights infections, Vitamin D also works to prevent more serious diseases.

Although I spend most of my time as a pharmaceutical sales representative outside visiting medical offices, I also drive my company vehicle to professional buildings in different towns in Central Pennsylvania. An interesting tidbit is that the benefits of sunlight can’t pierce through the glass, dang windshield!
This may explain why I have a vitamin D deficiency. In addition, it should be noted that all African Americans have some level of vitamin D deficiency. African Americans’ pigmentation provides protection from the sun’s rays. It acts as a sunblock, which makes it difficult to take in this nutrient. You know I do wear my ultra-light sunscreen fluid every day. Is this my double whammy against getting my correct dose of vitamin D?

The use of sunscreen while protecting one’s skin from harmful UV rays can also block the absorption of Vitamin D. Listed below are excellent sources for Vitamin D:

Additional Reasons one may not have enough Vitamin D…

• Cloudy weather/overcast skies
• Pollution and smog
• Diet
• Location-living far from the equator = less sun exposure
• Age
• Heredity

How much Vitamin D does one need?
According to a recent episode of Dr. Oz, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. With newer research suggesting that it may also help prevent certain cancers and boost mood, it earns its place as one of the most vital nutrients; the might D in our bodies. It’s recommended that you get 600 – 1000 IU per day. I personally take a D3 1000 IU supplement.

Five forms of Vitamin D have been discovered: vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. The two that are important to humans are Vitamin D2 and D3. Important note, ladies—vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium, which helps to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Because Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (having too much can be bad), it is important to take Vitamin D in proper doses and check drug interactions for any medications you’re taking with a health professional.

The normal range for Vitamin D in the blood is 30 – 100 ng/ml. My level was 23.9 L, which means I was not deficient but insufficient. If you don’t know your Vitamin D level, be sure to have it checked. Who knew the mighty D could significantly impact our health and well-being?

Have a fabulous week!