Why vitamin d is important

There has been some controversy over the amount of vitamin D needed for healthy functioning. Recent research indicates that you need more vitamin D than was once thought. Normal blood serum levels range from 50 to micrograms per deciliter.

Depending on your blood level, you may need more vitamin D. IUs are a standard type of measurement for drugs and vitamins. IUs help experts determine recommended dose, toxicity, and deficiency levels for each person. One IU is not the same for each type of vitamin.

An IU is determined by how much of a substance produces an effect in your body. The recommended IUs for vitamin D are:. Vitamin D is very important for your health, but it is possible to get too much of it. This article explores 6 side effects of taking too much vitamin…. The amount of vitamin D you need depends on several factors. This article explains exactly how much vitamin D you should be taking. Taking care of your skin should be an essential part of your health regimen.

Learn about vitamins D, C, E,. Vitamin D is essential for health, but it can be hard to get enough of it from your diet. Here are 7 healthy foods that are high in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for depression.

This level of UV increases the risk of overexposure and skin damage, and sun protection clothing, sunscreen, hats, shade and sunglasses is recommended. Using good sun protection should not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. During this time, sun protection is not recommended, unless you work outdoors, are near highly reflective surfaces like snow , or are outside for extended periods. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, seek advice from your GP.

Your GP may recommend vitamin D supplements, which should be taken strictly as directed. Once low vitamin D is treated, the aim is to maintain normal vitamin D levels. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

The abdominal muscles support the trunk, allow movement and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure. Acromegaly is caused by an excess of growth hormone in adults, which causes the overgrowth of bones in the face, hands, feet and internal organs.

Exercise can prevent age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints and can reverse these changes too. The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol. A person with amyloidosis produces aggregates of insoluble protein that cannot be eliminated from the body.

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In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries. Children from the age of 1 year and adults need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Babies up to the age of 1 year need 8. A microgram is 1, times smaller than a milligram mg. So 10 micrograms of vitamin D is equal to IU. During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.

But since it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Some people will not make enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure.

Only a few foods naturally contain vitamin D, but some foods are fortified with this vitamin. These are some of the best sources:. If you belong to any of the following groups, you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, in which case you should ask your doctor to for the vitamin D test:. Video Series. August 20, The Reasons Why Vitamin D Is So Important It helps to: Prevent bone fractures Prevent falls in older people and osteoporosis Reduce the risk of cancer, especially colon cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer Reduce the risk of diabetes, especially in young people and in those living in high altitude Protect against heart disease, including high blood pressure and heart failure Reduce your risk for multiple sclerosis Improve you mood Improve your lung function.

If You Don't Get Enough Vitamin D Your bones can become weak and can break Children can get "rickets," a disease that prevents their bones from growing properly, delays their growth, and causes problems with their immune system Adults can develop "osteomalacia," a disease that weakens the bones and makes them hurt, and also causes fractures Older adults can get osteoporosis, which doesn't cause pain, but makes the bones thin and easy to fracture The best way to know if you are getting enough vitamin D is to have a specific blood test.

What Are the Best Sources? Foods that Provide Vitamin D Only a few foods naturally contain vitamin D, but some foods are fortified with this vitamin. If you belong to any of the following groups, you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, in which case you should ask your doctor to for the vitamin D test: Infants who are only breast-fed or who get less than 2 cups each day of vitamin D?

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