The 3 Benefits And Sources Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin: vitamins that are stored in the body for long periods of time. It composes a family of compounds that includes vitamins D1, D2, and D3.
Our body naturally produces vitamin D when we are directly exposed to sunlight. It has multiple important functions, vitally used and recognized for regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus as well as facilitating normal immune system function. Therefore, having adequate vitamin D is crucial for bone and teeth development.
Here are some if its additional and specific benefits:
Fights disease
Vitamin D may also play a role in reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). In a 2018 review of population-based studies, it was discovered that low levels of vitamin D are linked with an increased risk of MS.
It can also decrease the chance of heart disease. Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of heart diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. However, it's indefinite whether vitamin D deficiency directly contributes to heart disease or simply indicates poor health when you have a chronic condition.
The compound family can also reduce the likelihood of severe illnesses and support immune health. A recent review found that low vitamin D levels contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome. A few studies indicate that having enough Vitamin D can minimize the likelihood of severe flu and COVID-19 infections, however, the data so far is mixed.
Otherwise, people with low vitamin D levels might be at increased risk of infections and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Mood Regulation and Reduced Depression
Vitamin D might play a vital role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression, based on research. For example, a review of 7,534 people found that those experiencing negative emotions that received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in symptoms. Supplementation may help people with depression who also have a vitamin D deficiency.
Additionally, another study noted low vitamin D levels as a risk factor for more severe fibromyalgia symptoms, anxiety, and depression.
Support Weight Loss
People who have higher body weights have a heightened chance of low levels of vitamin D. For one study, people with obesity who received vitamin D supplements in addition to following a weight loss diet plan were noted to have lost more weight and fat mass than the members of the placebo group (only followed the diet plan).
During an older study, people taking daily calcium and vitamin D supplements lost more weight than subjects who took a placebo supplement. It was suggested that the extra calcium and vitamin D may have had an appetite-suppressing effect.
The existing research indicates that there is a relationship between vitamin D and weight. However, it doesn't support the idea that vitamin D can cause weight loss.
Sources of Vitamin D
Aside from sunlight, you can easily get your supply of vitamin D from food such as salmon, herring, sardines, cod liver oil, tuna, mushroom, and beef liver. Drinks fortified with vitamin D like orange juice and dairy or plant milk are another option.
It might be difficult to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D through sunlight exposure and diet alone, however. You can ask your doctor to recommend you some Vitamin D supplements. KPTown offers bottles of Nutridom Vitamin D3 with coconut oil and Nutridom Multi-Vitamin for your Vitamin D3 need.