Vitamin D has received a lot of attention in recent years, and this relatively elusive vitamin deserves the hype. Proper nutrition is critical to an individual’s overall wellbeing, and vitamin D is a critical component for people for a number of different reasons. Helping the body absorb calcium and preventing some types of health problems are among the most outstanding.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a serious medical condition that affects the bones. The body’s skeleton becomes brittle and very fragile. Individuals who have this condition are at great risk of having bone fractures and structural problems in the skeleton. This condition is commonly attributed to a lack of calcium.
Vitamin D is critical to people who are at risk for developing this condition because the vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. Petite women are especially at risk and they may benefit from discussing their options with a physician. A regimen of Vitamin D and calcium supplements may be able to help prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Other Bone Conditions
Osteoporosis is a long-term effect of having inadequate calcium and Vitamin D over time. Other conditions are a direct result of a lack of the vitamin. A person may develop osteomalicia or rickets if they do not receive enough of this vitamin. Cases of these conditions are extreme and quite rare.
Cancer
Vitamin D may be effective in preventing some forms of cancer, specifically cancer in the colon. Some suggest that the supplement can help prevent cancer in the breast and prostate, but more data needs to be collected to determine this without question. Studies are also being conducted to determine whether too much of the nutrient can lead to cancer in some people.
Other Health Problems
Vitamin D may be effective in preventing or treating other conditions as well. More research is necessary to determine whether the nutrient can treat:
• Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
• Glucose intolerance
• Multiple Sclerosis
• High blood pressure
The vitamin may also be helpful in preventing or treating other medical problems but research is still ongoing. The simple fact that the vitamin is effective in helping the body absorb calcium more effectively should be reason enough to include the nutrient in a well balanced diet.
Foods Containing Vitamin D
The vitamin is a bit elusive, but the USDA National Nutrient Database can help people find this nutrient in regular foods. Some foods contain vitamin D include:
• Fish liver oils
• Fleshy fish (tuna and salmon, for example)
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Beef liver
• Some types of mushrooms
Fish is the best source of the vitamin because cheese, egg yolks and beef liver contain relatively small amounts. Mushrooms provide a variable amount of the vitamin. Some foods like milk, cereal and yogurt are fortified with vitamin D, making them excellent choices.
Sunlight
Sun exposure is a surprising source of vitamin D, but it is important to keep in mind that the vitamin does not pass through glass. The exposure should be direct. Environmental factors like pollution and clouds can interfere with absorption as well. Sunscreen can interfere with absorption, but five minutes in the sun without sunscreen two or three times a week is enough for adequate intake. It is critical to discuss this option with a physician.
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