Vitamin D deficiency continues to go unrecognized by a majority of healthcare professionals. In fact, I would guestimate that close to 80-90% of individuals that get tested at our office are somewhat deficient in Vitamin D and never knew it! Many people believe that getting enough sunlight will help their Vitamin D status. Although this is partially true, vitamin D synthesis has to undergo two different chemical processes for body activation. The liver and the kidneys are responsible for these reactions. Also, you cannot get enough vitamin D through the diet alone. The best way to determine your vitamin D status is to test it in the blood.
Vitamin D is crucial for:
- Hormonal balance
- Cognitive function
- Immune system
- Pregnancy and nursing: Did you know that very little vitamin D is passed through mother’s breastmilk? A 2015 study showed that mothers of exclusively breastfed babies with 6400 IU vitamin D per day is a safe and effective alternative to directly supplementing babies with 400 IU vitamin D per day.1
- Osteoporosis
- Skeletal growth and prevention of rickets: a condition that causes soft/weak bones
- Calcium absorption
- Inflammation
- Mood disorders
Adults can safely take 5,000 IU of Vitamin D daily. Children can safely take 400 IU daily.
Try this! For infants, try just putting a drop of the liquid form on your finger or your nipples, if you are still breastfeeding, and have the baby suck it off.
Be careful of liquid and chewable forms of any supplement. You ALWAYS want to read the label and check the “other ingredient” section. Make sure there are no artificial colors, dyes, or sweeteners. Stevia as a sweetener is OK.
References
- Hollis et. al Pediatrics. 2015 Oct.136(4)625-34.
