Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to the skin being exposed to the sun and is essential for strong bones, because Vitamin D helps the body uses calcium from the diet (webmd.com). Many Americans have a vitamin D deficiency; 17.5 % of African Americans, 5.9 % of Hispanics, 7.6% of Asians and 2.1% of white Americans (nih.gov).

Vitamin D is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight and the also produces a mechanism to repair DNA. The problem is not the sun but the burning of skin that causes cancer. That is why the use of sun screen is encouraged to reduce skin cancer. However, the use of sun screen inhibits vitamin D production. Vitamin D is stored in fat, within the stomach, so the more weight one gains, the vitamin is not available for use by the body.

Other European countries, such as Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy and others require vitamin D supplements added to the food. There are many sources of vitamin D. These foods include fatty fish (salmon, trout, mackerel), portobello mushrooms, fortified milk, yogurt, fortified non-dairy milk (almonds, soy), fortified cereal, orange juice, pork, eggs, tomatoes, and bell peppers (Oz & Roizen, 2005).

Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body. Vitamin D promotes healthy bones and teeth. This vitamin is essential support for the immune system, the brain, and nervous system, which regulates insulin levels, supporting lung and cardiovascular function (https://ods.od.nih.gov.).

It may be a good idea to add a Vitamin D supplement to your daily routine to increase your immunity during the pandemic. Please check with your medical professional to answer any questions you may have regarding your personal health and wellness.

Just keeping you informed!

References

Oz, M, and Roizen, M. (2005). YOU: The owner’s manual: An insider’s guide to the body that will make you healthier and younger, Harper Resource, New York, NY

Vitamin D-Professional Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov

Vitamin D Deficiency. (2020). Retrieved from Webmd.com