|
Vitamin D |
| Why Does the Body Need Vitamin D? |
|
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because 15-20 minutes of sunlight a day on exposed skin can provide us with our daily dose. 1. It is needed for the proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus 2. It is especially important for children to promote normal growth and development of their bones and teeth 3. It increases muscle strength, bone strength and coordination 4. It is a powerful immune booster and assists in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer and breast cancer, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Hypocalcaemia 5. It is required for normal blood clotting 6. It is used in the manufacture of the thyroid hormone and is needed for thyroid function 7. It reduces the risk of prostate cancer, colon polyps, coronary artery disease 8. It reduces the chance of developing Type 1 Diabetes 9. Psoriasis can be improved by supplementing with Vitamin D |
| What are some symptoms of Deficiency of Vitamin D? |
|
The diseases associated with a deficiency of Vitamin D are Rickets in children and Osteomalacia, a similar disorder in adults. Other symptoms of deficiency include
11. backache 12. blue-green algae 13. burning sensation in mouth and throat 14. diarrhea 15. hair loss 16. insomnia 17. joint pain or stiffness 18. muscle cramps 19. osteoarthritis 20. tooth decay 21. twitching 22. visual problems 23. weight loss |
|
Where do you naturally find Vitamin D (in alphabetical order)? 1. butter 2. chanterelle mushrooms 3. cod liver oil 4. cottage cheese 5. dandelion greens 6. eggs 7. fish liver oils 8. halibut 9. herring 10. mackerel 11. milk 12. oatmeal 13. oysters 14. salmon 15. sardines 16. shiitake mushrooms 17. sweet potatoes 18. tuna 19. vegetable oils |
|
Notes and/or Cautions: Recent studies indicate that most people living in the northern parts of the United States, Europe, and Canada are chronically deficient in Vitamin D. This is partly due to fewer daylight hours, partly due to jobs that require people to be indoors most of the time, and partly due to the extensive use of sunscreen. The Canadian Cancer Society now recommends 30 minutes of daily unprotected sun exposure during non-peak times and 1000 IU of Vitamin D per day. |
|
There are a number of different forms of Vitamin D, which is a fat soluble vitamin: 1. D2 (ergocalciferol) is derived from food; it is not fully active. It requires conversion first in the liver and then in the kidneys in order to be activated. This is why people with Liver or Kidney disorders are at higher risk of Osteoporosis 2. D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced in the body in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. D3 is considered to be the most natural and active form 3. D5 is a synthetic form, also not fully active. It also requires conversion first in the liver and then in the kidneys in order to be activated |
| Recommended Dosages for Maintaining Good Health (for Adults): 400-1000 IU |