Vitamin D is often referred to as the “Sunshine Vitamin” because our bodies produce Vitamin D after we are in the sun. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin we get from certain foods and is also a steroid hormone that our body makes from sunlight.
Vitamin D is crucial for many functions in our body. People with low levels are at higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and autoimmune diseases while studies show that people with correct vitamin D levels have a 50% less chance of developing breast cancer and other cancers.
How do I know if my Vitamin D level is low? Symptoms that show you may have low vitamin D:
- High Blood Pressure
- You get sick frequently or have cuts and scrapes that don’t heal quickly (due to a weakened immune system)
- Fatigue
- You feel depressed or anxious (Vitamin D helps regulate chemicals in the brain and can improve mood)
- Sleep problems
- Muscle cramps, pain, and weakness
- Excessive sweating
- Bone pain or Osteoporosis
- Infertility or problems during pregnancy including high blood pressure, diabetes, and preterm birth
What determines your Vitamin D level?
Factors that can affect your vitamin D levels:
- Your location: People who live in northern states are more likely to have low vitamin D levels because of minimal sun exposure during cold winter months. In Florida, we have adequate sun all year long although many people don’t spend time in the sun or use heavy sunscreen (Note: Sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more blocks 100% of vitamin D production in the skin.)
- Your age: As we get older, our skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D decreases. A 65-year-old generates about 1/4th of the vitamin D that a 20-year-old produces.
- Your skin color: People with darker skin typically have lower levels of vitamin D than lighter-skinned people. This is because melatonin (a pigment that makes our skin dark) acts as a sunscreen and prevents the production of vitamin D.
- Your diet: There are very few foods that contain vitamin D. Some foods which are fortified with vitamin D are milk, breakfast cereals, and orange juice among others.
- Your weight: People who are overweight often have low blood levels of vitamin D. Since vitamin D is stored in fat, people with obesity have less vitamin D circulating in their blood where it can be used by the body.
Everyone should have their vitamin D level checked at least once a year which is determined by a simple blood test. Testing is the only way to know what your level is. Most experts agree that an optimal level is 40-60 ng/mL. For levels lower than 40-60, it is recommended that you supplement and or spend time in the sun. Mention this article and our office will check your vitamin D level for only $50 which includes recommendations for how to maintain the optimal level!
Ref: Purpose, Inc. “Vitamin D; A Powerful Pro-Hormone”
