The Importance of Vitamin D for Health

Vitamin D and its Common Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is common, affecting one in four Europeans.

A deficiency of this important nutrient can affect many aspects of health.

• Vitamin D3: Natural Synthesis and Additional Sources
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is naturally produced by our bodies when our skin is exposed to sunlight.

It can also be found in vitamin supplements and foods such as fortified milk, fatty fish, fish oil, and egg yolks. Most adults need to get at least 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day, but getting enough vitamin D through diet alone is difficult.

Importance of Vitamin D

• Strengthen Bones and Muscles: Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is important for healthy bones and muscles.
• Immune system support: Vitamin D strengthens immune defenses, helping the body fight infections.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Deficiency

• Limited exposure to sunlight: Living in areas with little sunshine and high levels of pollution.
• Skin Type: Darker skin absorbs less vitamin D from sunlight.
• Age: As we age, the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases.

Deficiency Symptoms

• Pain in bones and muscles.
• Chronic fatigue and weakness.
• Stress fractures, especially of the legs, pelvis and hips.

Best Choice of Vitamin D
Vitamin D3, derived from lanolin or lichen, is the most acceptable supplement option. In nature, it is found in abundance on mountain slopes, rocks and trees. Lichen Vitamin D3 is a vegan option suitable for people following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Checking Your Vitamin D Level
An examination with a doctor and a blood test will help determine vitamin D deficiency and allow you to correct its levels in the body.

Boosting Heart Health and Supporting the Immune System
Vitamin D not only improves bone and muscle health, but also helps strengthen the cardiovascular system and strengthens immune defense, which is especially important in the fight against infectious diseases.

Incorporating vitamin D into your daily diet and lifestyle will help maintain optimal levels of this important nutrient and promote your body’s overall well-being.

* ABOS (2011-2012) Australian Health Survey: Biomedical Nutrient Results.