Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to build and maintain bone mass. Besides helping calcium build strong bones, vitamin D helps regulate the immune system, the neuromuscular system, reduces inflammation, prevents malignant cell growth and levels your mood. Too little vitamin D results in soft bones in children (rickets) and fragile misshapen bones in adults (osteomalacia). Vitamin D deficiency has now been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, depression, and weight gain.

The body naturally makes vitamin D through skin exposure to sufficient sunlight, however in northern climates like Maine skin production of vitamin D is greatly diminished in the winter months. Fortified foods provide the most vitamin D in the American diet, as very few foods naturally contain the vitamin. There are various supplements of vitamin D and the recommended form is vitamin D3.

Before starting to take supplements make sure you talk with your health care provider, as too much vitamin D can cause nausea, constipation, and other side effects. Vitamin D also can interact with other medications you may be on.

Stay healthy this fall and winter by getting fresh air and sunlight as often as you can. A quick walk at lunch or raking the leaves on the weekend provides more than just exercise!

back to top