And Its Effect on Health

What is vitamin D? Fat soluble vitamin Can be stored in the body via fat stores Stores can be used by the body in time of need Functions as a hormone Two different forms available: D 2 and D 3 D 3 is the preferred form

Why do we need vitamin D? Main function is calcium & phosphorous absorption & deposits in bone Contributes directly to bone & blood calcium levels Plays a role in maintaining proper bone structure Happy bones!

May also prevent chronic disease by playing a role in:  Proper cell growth  Muscle strength  Immune function  Insulin levels  Hypertension  Cardiovascular disease

Where do we get vitamin D? Our body naturally produces its own vitamin D “The Sunshine Vitamin” - production is stimulated by sun exposure Up to 30 minutes of sun exposure, 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient Exposure time depends on skin color, sun exposure, age, and location

Other sources of vitamin D? Natural Food Sources Fortified Foods Milk Yogurt Cheese Margarine Soymilk Cereals Orange juice Specific mushrooms Yeast Egg yolks Some fish oils

How much do we need? o Current recommended daily allowances (RDAs) are IU daily o Some researchers suggest that for increased benefit, we actually need IU daily! o Adverse reactions have been observed as a result of mega doses near 40,000 IU

Vitamin D Deficiency Most people are deficient SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce vitamin D production up to 99% Modern day lifestyles have led to increased indoor activities working in an office, watching television, playing video games

Research shows vitamin D is effective for treating: Low blood phosphate levels Low blood calcium levels Osteomalacia (softening of the bones) Psoriasis Renal osteodystrophy Rickets Vitamin D deficiency Bone loss due to corticosteroids Osteoporosis

And is possibly effective for reducing the risk of: Developing certain cancers (when taken with calcium) Cavities Bone loss due to hyperparathyroidism Multiple sclerosis Respiratory infections such as the flu Rheumatoid arthritis Tooth loss Obesity

Other promising research studies… Asthma Heart disease Kidney disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Mental function Colorectal cancer Diabetes Heart failure High cholesterol High blood pressure Low birth weight in newborns Metabolic syndrome Gum disease Seasonal depression Bronchitis Breathing disorders

Where can I learn more about vitamin D? First and foremost, talk to your physician! National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(NCCIH) MedlinePlus htm htm WebMD supplements/ supplements/ Office of Dietary Supplements HealthProfessional/ HealthProfessional/

Conclusion Vitamin D is essential for proper body functions Can even reduce the risk of certain diseases Minimum RDAs start at IU Higher amounts may have even greater benefits Many health benefits of vitamin D have already been proven through research Many promising research studies still underway

References National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2015). Retrieved from Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health. (2012). Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D. Retrieved from HealthProfessional/ Schlenker, E. D., & Roth, S. L. (2011). Williams' Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby. Schodin, B. A. (2012). "Vitamin D: how much is enough, too much, or too little?." MLO: Medical Laboratory Observer, 44(2), WebMD. (2015). Vitamin D. Retrieved from