Vitamin D is an important vitamin, best known for its role in bone strength. A great source of vitamin D is sunlight! But even in places such as Australia, there are still many people who don’t get enough of this important vitamin!
What is the Function of Vitamin D?
One of its functions is that it helps with calcium and phosphorous digestion. What this means is that when you eat food with calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D helps to absorb these into your system. This is great for keeping your bones nice and strong!
What Are the Different Sources of Vitamin D?
A lot of people don’t know that vitamin D is actually made in the skin! This occurs when the skin has been exposed to the sun. The Cancer Council recommends a few minutes outdoors on most days in summer and in winter, they recommend spending time outdoors in the middle of the day. (1) Aside from sun exposure, you can also get vitamin D from food! A great natural source comes from fatty fish.
Am I at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Ask yourself these questions:
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Do you have low amounts of vitamin D in your diet?
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Are you mostly indoors? (e.g. office job, nursing home)
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Do you have problems with your intestines that stop you from absorbing vitamin D?
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Do you have problems with your kidneys that affect your body’s ability to process vitamins?
If you have answered yes to any of these things, there is a chance that you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
What Happens in People Who Have Low Vitamin D?
This can lead to soft bones and a condition called rickets in childhood or osteomalacia in adults. It can also reduce your bone mineral density. This means that the bone is not as strong as it should be, causing problems such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, where the bones become weak and hollow. If you have weak bones, fractures can be more common.
Do I Need to Be Tested for Low Vitamin D Levels?
Not everyone will need a vitamin D test. But some people who stay mostly indoors or suffer from certain medical conditions impairing vitamin D intake, may need to be tested for their levels. If you are worried about this, ask your GP today!
References:
1) http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/vitamin-d/
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