Vitamin D is important year-round, but it’s especially important in the winter when the sun is dim and we’re spending more time indoors.  Why is Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine” vitamin, so important? Here are the details.

In this Healthy Insight:

• What is Vitamin D?
• Vitamin D Benefits
• Low Vitamin D Symptoms
• Too Much Vitamin D
• How Much Vitamin D Should I Take?

What is Vitamin D?

 Vitamin D is part of a group of fat-soluble vitamins. It’s produced when your skin’s exposed to the sun. When it comes to nutritional supplements, you’ll want to look for D3, which is the same type of D (cholecalciferol) formed by sunshine. Salmon, eggs and certain mushrooms deliver the potent form of Vitamin D and some everyday foods like orange juice, milk and cereal are fortified with Vitamin D, but it’s still difficult to supply all you need from diet alone.

Vitamin D Benefits

 Almost every cell and tissue in your body includes receptors for Vitamin D. That’s how important it is, especially for bone health because it helps your body absorb and efficiently use calcium. But research shows that the benefits of Vitamin D go beyond bone support as it also…

• Helps maintain a strong immune system
• Supports a healthy nervous system
• Contributes to efficient cellular activity including the cells in the breast and colon
• Fosters a positive mood and strong cognitive function
• Encourages strong, healthy muscles
• Supports a healthy cardiovascular system (heart & blood pressure)
• Plays a role in kidney function
• Promotes emotional health
• Fosters a healthy respiratory function

Low Vitamin D Symptoms

 Some symptoms of a deficit in Vitamin D include: fatigue, thinning or brittle bones, muscle weakness, frequent illness, sadness, moodiness, hair loss, anxiety or depression.

Too Much Vitamin D

 Although rare, too much Vitamin D can be very serious and is usually a result of megadoses of the vitamin rather than overexposure of the sun or consuming too much via foods.  When toxicity happens, calcium buildup in your blood is the main concern. This causes nausea and can  possibly lead to calcium-based stones.