Vitamin D levels in our body are decreasing.
Experts recommend getting exposure to sunlight to maintain adequate levels. When one gets regular sun exposure, the skin synthesizes vitamin D resulting in increased levels. However, it is important to know how much sunlight is needed and how much vitamin D our body requires. To begin with, let’s understand the role of vitamin D in the body.
The function of Vitamin D
1. Vitamin D is known to enhance the immune system and reduce the risk of various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
2. For healthy and stronger bones, it is imperative to consume vitamin D. While calcium is essential for bone strength, it cannot enter bones on its own. Vitamin D acts as a medium to facilitate the absorption of calcium into the bones, making them stronger.
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Why does the level of vitamin D in our body decrease?
• As we age, our skin’s ability to create Vitamin D decreases, which can lead to an increased risk of disease.
• The color of our skin can also play a role. If we have more pigmentation, it can prevent our body from properly absorbing sunlight and result in less Vitamin D intake.
• Similarly, our location can impact our exposure to sunlight. Those living in the northern hemisphere, for instance, may receive less sunlight naturally.
How much vitamin D does the body need?
According to the National Institutes of Health,
• 400 IU daily for children up to 12 months
• 600 IU daily from one to 18 years
• 600 IU daily until age 70
• 800 IU daily if over 70 years
• Pregnant or lactating women need 600 IU of vitamin D.
How long do you plan to stay in the sun?
If the sun is very hot, 10 to 30 minutes of sun exposure is enough to produce adequate vitamin D, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The data is collected from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) which provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. This content only encourages you to talk with your healthcare providers regarding the use of dietary supplements and what will be best for your overall health.
This news is a creative derivative product from articles published in famous peer-reviewed journals and Govt reports:
1. gov. (2022). Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin D. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20is%20a%20nutrient,them%20more%20likely%20to%20break.
2. Dominguez LJ, Farruggia M, Veronese N, Barbagallo M. Vitamin D sources, metabolism, and deficiency: available compounds and guidelines for its treatment. Metabolites. 2021 Apr 20;11(4):255.
3. Herrick KA, Storandt RJ, Afful J, Pfeiffer CM, Schleicher RL, Gahche JJ, Potischman N. Vitamin D status in the United States, 2011–2014. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2019 Jul 1;110(1):150-7.
4. Cashman KD. Vitamin D deficiency: defining, prevalence, causes, and strategies of addressing. Calcified Tissue International. 2020 Jan;106(1):14-29.