Vitamin D Facts - Lack of This Nutrient Has Serious Health Implications

In years gone by, Vitamin D facts were discussedgetting vitiligo, scleroderma, psoriasis, actinic
in relation to rickets, that is softening of thekeratosis, and other skin conditions.
bones in children. But in North America nowadays,Vitamin D Sources
you'd be hard-pressed to find children with theYou can receive this nutrient from exposure to
disease.the sun and food like fatty fish and diary
However, there is a problem with osteoporosisproducts. Scientist say that safe intake of this
for people 50 and over. This nutrient increasesnutrient is between 1000-2000 IUs daily.
the flow of calcium in the blood stream and asOverdosing on it can lead to gastrointestinal
you might well be aware, calcium is directlyproblems and high blood pressure.
related to bone health in all people, both youngFortunately, most incidences of overdose have
and old. Therefore Vitamin D has always beenbeen related to manufacturing and industrial
relevant.accidents and not through dietary intake.
But recently, this nutrient has been getting a lotThose At Risk of Deficiency
of press, much more than it did years ago - notResearch is suggesting that 85% of people may
for its positive effects on bones but for other farbe Vitamin D deficient without even being aware
reaching health benefits.of it. This is partly due to the media scaring
So let us look at some of the Vitamin D factspeople away with stories linking sunshine to
that can empower youcancer.
1. Every cell and tissue in your body hasSo people have been smearing their bodies with
receptors for Vitamin D, making a vital nutrient insunscreen, stayed indoors or worn clothes that
the promotion of a healthy body.block the sun's beneficial rays. In effect they have
2. The Vitamin D hormone, calcitriol, plays a role inreduced their body's ability to convert sunlight to
the killing of cancer cells.Vitamin D
3. Research has found links between this nutrientSo if you live in parts of America where sunlight is
plays a role in the reversal or prevention oflimited or going through winter, you might need to
cardiovascular disease. It has been found thattake a Vitamin D supplement.
people with a deficiency in this supplement has aIf you are old, obese or dark-skinned, your body
higher risk of heart problems, hypertension andgets less of this nutrient from the sun so
diabetessupplementation may be need.
4. It promotes immune system healthYour body could be having a silent craving for this
5. Promotes healthy skin and reduce the risks ofnutrient. Make sure you are getting enough of it.