Vitamins and minerals are essential for our body metabolism. They ensure that all processes in the body function well. The deficiency of one of these nutrients can affect the chemical mechanisms in the body.
In our society, we are all well aware of how important taking certain vitamins, such as vitamin C, which is a popular nutrient to strengthen our immune system.
But, does vitamin D get the same fame as other vitamins? I don’t think so. This is because many of us are still not aware of how important it is to our health.
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Deficiency of Vitamin D
For your information, deficiency of vitamin D is a common medical condition. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to many health conditions such as weak bone structures, increased risk of heart diseases, cancers, and poor mental health.
Studies reported that about 30-50% of adults and children worldwide are vitamin D deficient.
It is reported that not only adults but children are also exposed to vitamin D deficiency in many countries including Asia.
But, how important is vitamin D to our body?
Vitamin D is as important as other vitamins. This is why, if you ever look at the Nutrition Fact in some complete nutrition food or multivitamins, you will notice that the manufacturers mostly will include vitamin D in the content.
Not only that, but vitamin D is also regulated by law to be included in children’s formula milk. This tells how vital vitamin D is for our body. Let me explain why:
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Vitamin D is needed in making a healthy bone,
Vitamin D assists the absorption of calcium and phosphate. It is especially important for growing children.
A deficiency in vitamin D will cause rickets in children, a condition where the bones are soft while in adults a condition called osteomalacia where the bones are deformed or crooked.
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Vitamin D deficiency is significantly linked to cancers.
Many studies found the significant link of vitamin D deficiency with certain cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. A higher level of vitamin D in the blood can help to lower the risk of cancer.
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Vitamin D promotes good mental health.
Low levels of vitamin D were also found to be linked with poor mental health such as depression and anxiety.
Vitamin D is not only important for our bone health, but it is also vital in brain functions. Vitamin D helps to regulate certain chemical reactions in the brain that promote a good mood.
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Vitamin D regulates the immune system.
Similar to the above, scientific studies found individuals who have weaker immune systems have significantly low levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is found to be crucial in regulating the immune system within the body. Low levels of vitamin D exposes an individual to a risk of disease infection, which means frequent episodes of flu and cold and other illnesses.
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Vitamin D regulates hormone.
Hormone imbalance can be caused by the low levels of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. This includes vitamin D.
Vitamin D is known to regulate some important hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. It is also useful in maintaining a normal level of serotonin. These hormones are important in regulating the mood, feeling and thinking.
This is why low levels of vitamin D can lead to mental health issues such as depression due to the imbalance of these important hormones.
How or where can I get vitamin D?
Our body can regulate vitamin D by getting an exposure to the sunlight. This is why morning sunshine is good for us. So why not take this chance to go out for a walk and do some exercises under the sun within 7 am-10 am in the morning.
Other than that, a balanced diet helps to increase our Vitamin D intake. Vitamin D can be found in food such as salmon, mackerel, sardine, milk and eggs.
Nowadays, many other processed food products are also fortified with vitamin D such as formula milk, fortified cereals and some fat spread.
Otherwise, you can find vitamin D in many ranges of food supplements.
What if I want to take vitamin D supplement?
I would say, most probably not. This is because we can get enough vitamin D through the exposure of sunlight and or our diet.
Considering that we are living in a hot climate country, I believe most of us get a fair share.
Plus, with many food products now fortified with vitamin D, it should not be a concern. However, those with certain medical conditions may need to consider a supplement, as consulted by the physician.