Is it possible there is a single nutrient that can be incorporated into your daily life that forces you to get some sunshine, prevent various forms of cancer, strengthen your bones, improve your immune system to fight infections and have an effect on autoimmune disorders?  Vitamin D is purported to do all that, and more.

What is Vitamin D?

Much press has been given to Vitamin D over the past couple of years as research continues to demonstrate its enormous health benefits.   Vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a Vitamin.  It binds Vitamin D receptors throughout the body and exerts its potent effects on cells that have these receptors.  The main source of Vitamin D is from the sun, as the ultraviolet light aids our bodies in manufacturing this essential nutrient.  Food sources of Vitamin D include various mushrooms, fish and sunflower seeds.

How much Vitamin D do I need? 

During the summer months 20 minutes of sunshine on our skin produces enough Vitamin D to keep us healthy.  After thanksgiving and before the May long weekend, the sun is not strong enough to cause our bodies to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D to promote health.  Therefore supplementation may be a good idea. It is estimated that only 1/3 of Canadians have adequate levels to promote health, and 10% (roughly three million people) have concentrations considered inadequate.

Too much of a good thing?  Although it is difficult to overdose on Vitamin D, it is possible and complications can occur such as hypertension and systemic calcification, as Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium.

In summary, Vitamin D is an amazing and necessary nutrient to achieve optimal health and prevent a number of chronic diseases, but as with everything one needs to be conscious of the amount they intake.

Dr. Ian Cole, N.D.

Naturopathic Doctor