What is Vitamin D and What are Vitamin D Benefits?

It has long been established that one of the primary vitamin D benefits  is bone strength, but new research shows that it may play a major role in many other health concerns as well. Recent studies show that
– vitamin D benefits heart health
– vitamin D benefits brain function and immunity
– vitamin D benefits depression
– vitamin D benefits may even include preventing certain types of cancer.

In addition, lack of vitamin D has been associated with  health problems all over the world:
–vitamin D deficiency has been linked to flu
– vitamin D deficiency has been linked to multiple sclerosis
– vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a serious global health problem.
– three-fourths of US adults have vitamin D deficiency
– a third of Canadian children have vitamin D deficiency

Relatively few natural dietary sources

Vitamin D is unique because it is the only vitamin that the body can actually produce. It is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because exposure to the sun triggers the skin to produce it.

Sunlight is extremely important in regulating the body’s vitamin D levels because only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of it. The list of natural dietary sources includes fatty fish and fish oils, along with organ meats. Fortified foods, and fortified milk in particular, are the major dietary sources of vitamin D. One cup of vitamin D fortified milk supplies about one-fourth of the estimated daily need for this vitamin for adults. However most milk-based dairy products made from milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are generally not fortified.

Recognized as essential for strong bones

Medical science has long recognized vitamin D deficiency as a leading cause of bone problems, diseases, and disorders, including rickets (particularly in children) and osteomalacia in adults. Rickets, a debilitating disease characterized by the softening of bones, was a major health concern in the US until the 1920s, when vitamin D fortification for milk was approved.

Vitamin D’s role in preserving strong bones is in regulating the amount of calcium in the system. When calcium levels are low, the body draws supplemental calcium from the bones. Vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium, effectively maintains sufficient calcium levels and prevents the weakening of bones.

It has also been proven that vitamin D working together with calcium helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

Vitamin D benefits in healthy bodies of all ages

Vitamin D benefits include other proven roles in human health, including maintaining neuromuscular and immune functions. It has also been shown to be an effective agent in the reduction of inflammation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently doubled their recommended level of vitamin D, raising it from 200 IU to 400 IU, starting from the second month of life.

Potential for preventing heart, brain, and depressive disorders

A mounting body of evidence suggests that vitamin D benefits may include playing a significant role in treating or even preventing a host of disorders, ranging from cardiovascular disease to a variety of types of cancer to age-related depression.