Vitamin D is a vitamin that is fat-soluble and not found widely in foods we consume. It is very crucial for adults and kids. It is required for bone health and immune system. It helps our body to absorb calcium and promote bone health.
The very basic source of vitamin D is through the absorption sunlight through out skin. Our body produces vitamin D on its own when it absorbs sunlight. The level of vitamin D might slightly decline during winter months due to lack of exposure to sun.
People who live in the north of the 35th latitude, might suffer Vitamin D deficit this more than others. If you don’t have any other health issues and feeling tired all the time, depressed or lacking motivation to do anything then you might have vitamin D deficiency.
On the top all this, latest research suggest that vitamin D regulates blood sugar levels and if you are hungry often and feel tired all the time, you might think about getting your vitamin D levels checked.
During pregnancy and nursing, vitamin D is very important. Taking vitamin D during pregnancy reduces the risk of pregnancy diabetics and preeclampsia. If possible, during summer, try to get exposed to sunlight during non peak hours with quality sunscreen lotions. Many pediatricians, now require babies to get vitamin D as supplement after 6 months. My doctor suggested it as well. The reason behind was as I explained above, due to our geographic location, we are prisoned indoors most of the time, and lack sun exposure. Therefore, we might develop vitamin D deficiency and this might affect our babies and even causes rickets.
Some foods that contain vitamin D:
- Salmon and mackerel
- Fish oils
- Liver
- Egg yolk
- Butter
In United States, there are food products that are promoted to be containing Vitamin D but I don’t really pay that much attention to those products. Even if you eat all the items I mentioned above, you still will not receive your vitamin D needs.
Upon my doctor’s recommendation, I have been making sure my children get enough sunlight regularly, early in the morning or in the afternoon when sun is not straight overhead . Also in winter we give them vitamin D supplements, especially to boost the immune system. I also make sure to consume the foods that contain vitamin D as a part of our regular diets. (We seldom eat liver though) During winter we all take fish oil supplements as well.
(This is for information purposes only. Please consult your own doctor or pharmacist regarding your own health and medication.)
[…] In order to boost your immune system, feed your family more foods with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc during high virus season. If you live above 35 degrees latitude, regularly have your vitamin D levels checked, because you are at a greater risk for Vitamin D Deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can cause serious issues to your immune system. You can read more on vitamin D in this post. […]