What are vitamin d supplements?

Are you often feeling tired, low and miserable? Is your skin paler than a vampire in the snow? Fear not, dear reader. The solution to all of your problems might just be vitamin D supplements.

What exactly are vitamin D supplements, you ask? Well, let’s dig into it!

Let’s Start With the Basics: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. It helps our bodies absorb calcium from our diet and contributes to healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

But that’s not all! Recent studies have also shown links between vitamin D levels and our immune system, brain function and even depression!

Fun fact: did you know that vitamin D can be naturally produced by exposing your skin to sunlight? So technically speaking, the sun is like nature’s own supplement dispenser…unless you live somewhere where there isn’t much sunshine…

But Why Take Supplements If We Can Get It From Sunlight?

Great question! There are actually several reasons why taking vitamin D supplements could be beneficial:

  1. Location Location Location: As mentioned earlier – if you live somewhere with limited sunlight or spend most of your day indoors (like yours truly), then producing enough vitamin D through exposure will be a challenge.
  2. Skin Type Matters: People with darker skin generally produce less vitamin D because melanin blocks UV absorption; therefore they may require more sunlight exposure or supplementation
  3. Ageing Woes: As we age, our body becomes less efficient at producing sufficient amounts of vitamin D through sun exposure
  4. Mum Was Right After All: Modern diets don’t always contain enough vitamins which means dietary requirements for adequate Vit-D intake may fall short.

In summary: basically everyone needs some extra help getting their daily dose of Vitamin @^#

Who Needs Vitamin D Supplements the Most?

As we mentioned earlier, supplements may be necessary if you don’t get enough vitamin D from either sunlight or your diet. But who needs it the most? Let’s find out:

Seniors

We all know that as we age, our bones become more fragile and susceptible to fractures. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in seniors.

But not only does adequate Vitamin D intake lead to healthier bones, but it has also got many other benefits for seniors including increasing cognitive function.

Women

Sorry guys! Research shows women are more prone to Vitamin-D deficiency because oestrogen plays a role in maintaining normal blood concentrations of vitamin D.

So ladies – whether you’re pregnant or postmenopausal, taking quality vitamin D supplements should definitely be on your radar!

Vegans/Vegetarians

If you shy away from foods like eggs and fish or forgo them altogether due to being vegan/vegetarian: obtaining enough dietary Vit-D sources is much harder so supplementation can aid this gap in nutrition

Fun fact no. 2: Mushrooms are another great source and readily available at any good grocery store.

What Types of Vitamin D Supplements Are There?

Yes indeed there’s different types…say hello to the two main forms:

  1. VitaminD3 (Cholicalciferol)
    Most natural form found naturally in UV light.
  2. VitaminD2 Ergocalciferol
    Found naturally in mushrooms often used as fortified dairy/almond milk filler by food manufacturers(appearing less potent)

Now let me tell you about some common ways theyre sold at retailers both online & offline:
– Capsules
– Gummies
– Tablets
-Liquid Drops

Consult with a physician/pharmacist nutritionist when selecting brand/type; mode/frequency/suggestions on best time to consume and take heed of dosage guidelines.

Can You Have Too Much Vitamin D?

Too much of any good thing is bad, right? This applies to vitamin D as well. So let’s talk about some potential side effects of excessive vitamin D intake:

Nausea and vomiting

Even the thought (gag reflex) is too much for our delicate stomachs

Constipation

Nothing will kill your vibe faster than hoping to boast about your high amount daily fiber in extract form while only feeling backed-up and bloated(☹)

Kidney Stones

They’re not made out plastic like lego ones y’know…

Set an appointment with a nutritionist or qualified physician before starting mega dosing on Vit-D..Safety first; do it for Willy Wonka but also yourself!

The Bottom Line: Should You Start Taking Vitamin D Supplements?

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with low levels vitamin D or specific health concerns (as outlined above), then yes – taking quality supplements may be a smart decision.

However, remember that every individual has different dietary/physical/supplementation requirements so consistent communication & care with healthcare provideris key!

Random Posts