The Importance of Vitamin D

During the short days of February, it’s easy to go for several days in a row without being exposed to direct sunlight. The further towards the poles you go, the longer the winter lasts. This could pose a significant health problem, since sunlight is what triggers the production of vitamin D. Obtaining vitamin D is not usually difficult if you live in a sunny area. If the sun is at the proper angle, most people get enough by being exposed to sunlight directly (not through a window) for periods of fifteen minutes three times a week. As a holistic health practice, we at the ACT Wellness Center want everybody to understand why vitamin D is so important to bone health, and what they can do to ensure they’re getting enough.

 

One of the key constituent minerals of bone is calcium. This is not a mineral the human body produces on its own; it is absorbed in our digestive tract from food. Vitamin D is what regulates the intake of calcium, and when we don’t produce enough vitamin D, we can’t absorb enough calcium to maintain the integrity of our bone structure. This could lead to the sort of brittleness seen in people with osteoporosis, which puts people at increased risk for bone fractures and vertebral collapse. In addition, several studies show that vitamin D is linked with immune system function.

 

If you can’t rely on getting enough sunlight, and want to reduce your risk of a vitamin D deficiency; consider eating foods that are known to have high Vitamin D levels. These include products such as dairy, egg yolks, fatty fish oil’s and some mushrooms. Breakfast cereals and orange juice are commonly fortified with both vitamin D and calcium. Our favorite way to get vitamin D in the winter is from wild salmon.

 

If you are not eating enough vitamin D enriched foods, proper supplementation can help fill nutritional gaps in your diet. Numerous studies suggest positive association between taking vitamin and mineral supplements, and disease prevention. It’s a convenient way to get necessary nutrients that you may be lacking or not otherwise easily get in your daily nutrition. We offer pharmaceutical grade vitamins to help ensure our patients receive the maximum benefit possible, without exposure to any unnecessary toxins, fillers, or otherwise unwanted ingredients.

 

If you want to learn more about maintaining healthy bones, visit Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo at ACT Wellness Center, 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia. Call 703-491-9355.