Vitamin D

Canadian winters aren’t exactly a walk on the beach, the only chance you get to see the sun is in pictures. Not only are we missing the warm weather and sunny days… but we are all missing out on our daily dose of vitamin D!

Vitamin D is synthesized by our bodies when our skin is exposed to sunlight. We miss out on this process in the winter when we are all bundled up or staying warm inside. It is often beneficial to supplement vitamin D, at least through the winter months. We can also get some by eating food sources of vitamin D such as fatty fish, eggs and cheese. It is always a good idea to have your vitamin D levels tested first, so that you can supplement with a dose that is appropriate for you.

There are plenty of benefits to vitamin D;

Supports healthy bones and teeth- our body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium in the intestines. If we are deficient it can lead to Rickets in children and Osteomalacia or Osteoporosis in adults.

Important for Immune health- One study published in the The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, found that children who supplemented with vitamin D in the winter had a 40% lower risk of developing influenza A.

It has also been observed that people who are deficient in vitamin D may be at an increased risk of certain chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and heart failure.

Book an appointment with your ND if you are interested in having your vitamin D levels tested, or to see if vitamin D may be beneficial for you!

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