Vitamin D Supplement

Vitamin D supplementing has increased over the last several years. Is vitamin D really that beneficial or is it all hype?

Benefits of Vitamin D Supplement

Vitamin D is responsible for keeping normal calcium and phosphor levels in the blood. It also helps bones to absorb calcium, making them stronger. Therefore, a link between calcium and vitamin d supplement has been firmly established. Research has shown vitamin D to be beneficial for reducing the risk of various diseases like cancer, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Deficiency of vitamin D is potential harmful and may lead to skeletal deformities in children. Adults will get weaker bones and muscle if they don’t have sufficient levels.

Risk Groups

There are several groups, which have an increased risk of too low levels of vitamin D. The main ones are elderly, obese and those who don’t spend enough time in sunny wetter.

Vitamin D Sources

The best way to get sufficient amount of vitamin D is sun exposure. It is said that 10 minutes in the sun could be enough to maintain healthy levels.
There are also dietary sources excellent for getting more of this vitamin. These include fish, egg and milk. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is synthesized by plants, while D3 (cholecalciferol) is made in human skin when exposed to sun. Both of these types of vitamin D can be found in food and supplements.

Overdosing (hypervitaminosis D)

Recommended dosage (US) for people less than 70 years is 600IU(International units) each day. People above 70 years are recommended to up the dosage to 800IU. Vitamin D is potentially toxic and there are risks of overdosing when supplementing. Symptoms of this are usually nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite.

There are numerous of benefits with vitamin D, and in most cases supplementing is beneficial. Hypervitaminosis D is rare, but the chances increase with certain medical conditions. Consult with your doctor if you believe you have overdosed.