Vitamin D is good for the bones, prevents depression, protects the respiratory system, and even prevents tooth decay. In general, according to recent studies, it appears that this vitamin is the best thing since sliced bread.  So here are 15 reasons to take vitamin D and all the information on how it should be administered.

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In recent years, vitamin D is drawing more and more attention, and studies have determined that it is just great for us.  It seems that the reason for the growing interest is the population’s common insufficient levels of vitamin D.


What is causing these insufficient levels of vitamin D in the population?

Some say it’s due to people avoiding  sun exposure because of skin cancer risk, and some say that the existing   guidelines should have been lower to begin with.  In any case, a completely clear answer has yet to be found.

And this might also be the place to explain that the term “vitamin” is usually reserved  for those materials our body can’t produce on its own. Vitamin D doesn’t actually fit this definition. Our body can create the vitamin on its own – out of cholesterol with a little help from sun rays.

Yet, even though our body knows how to produce the vitamin on its own, it’s just not enough.  

So here are 15 reasons to take a vitamin D supplement:

1.    Bones
Vitamin D is essential for the bones and protects against fractures.  The vitamin was discovered in 1922, when researchers noticed that rickets was caused by a vitamin D deficiency, which is vital for the bones.  Nowadays, ministries of health worldwide emphasize that a lack in vitamin D will cause damage in the quality of bone, and will increase the risk of fractures and could cause rickets in children.  Therefore, the recommendation is to give your baby vitamin D from birth until they’re at least one year old.

2.    The respiratory system
Several limited studies have shown that vitamin D can protect the respiratory system, and that taking the vitamin can reduce infections in the respiratory systems (colds) and also cause a reduction in the need for antibiotics.  It should be notied that another research study wasn’t able to prove that the vitamin protects the respiratory system.

3.    Diabetes
A number of studies have shown a link between diabetes and a low level of vitamin D, but it’s not precisely clear if the link between the two is in fact causal.

4.    Heart disease
Several studies have found a link between a low level of vitamin D and heart disease. It’s been found, however, that extremely high levels of vitamin D, over 60nmol/l don’t protect the heart and were even shown to increase the risk for heart disease.  Another research study of older women who took vitamin D, didn’t show that vitamin D had a protective effect against heart disease.

5.    Weight gain
It appears that vitamin D insufficiency has some relation to weight gain.  It has been found that overweight women suffer from a lack of vitamin D, and that children born to women who suffered a lack of vitamin D during their pregnancy were prone to become obese. In women over 65 years old, a link was found between normal levels of vitamin D and having a healthy weight.

6.    Cancer
Women who had breast cancer and were taking vitamin D, or did not suffer from insufficient vitamin D, were less prone to recurring breast cancer.

7.    Neurological function
It has been found that mothers who suffered a lack of vitamin D during their pregnancy were at greater risk group of delivering a baby suffering from autism.  Even when mapping the rate of children suffering from autism, it is evident that prevalence is higher in areas where there is less solar radiation.

It has also been revealed that children born to mothers who did not have sufficient vitamin D during their pregnancy did not develop their verbal skills as well as children born to mothers who had normal levels of vitamin D.

Additionally, people suffering from Alzheimer’s have low levels of vitamin D, and it has been demonstrated that administering vitamin D3 helps improve cognitive performance.  It appears that vitamin D helps to cleanse the brain of amyloid – the same substance that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer patients.

8.    Stroke
Studies have suggested that people who suffer from low levels of vitamin D are in a higher risk group for stroke (25% higher).

9.    Multiple sclerosis
Lower levels of vitamin D and low exposure to the sun during childhood are both related to increased risk of multiple sclerosis.

10.  Pains
A low level of vitamin D may increase pain sensitivity in different situations. A connection was also found between low levels of vitamin D and menstrual pains, muscle pains in treatments against breast cancer, and knee pains in knee cartilage erosion diseases.

11.  Lung disease
Insufficient vitamin D in asthma patients may reduce the efficiency of treatment .  Administering vitamin D assists in tuberculosis recovery.

12.  Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Women suffering from insufficient vitamin D or live in areas where there is very little solar exposure are at increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

13.  Depression
Studies have indicated an existing link between depression and a lack of vitamin D.

14.  Food allergies
Some researches indicated a possible link between a lack of vitamin D and food allergies.

15.  Tooth decay
Certain studies have shown that administering vitamin D can help in preventing tooth decay.

What is a normal level of vitamin D?


The normal blood level of vitamin D is controversial, but all of the experts agree that less than 20 nmol/l is considered low.

What is the recommended dose per day?


The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) from one year old and older (not pregnancy or lactating): 600 international units (IU), equal to 15 micrograms (mcg), per day
The RDA from 70 years old: 800 IU or 20 mcg per day

What if I suffer from insufficient vitamin D?


The common recommendation is to administer 1000 to 2000 units a day – until the deficiency goes away.

In short, insufficient vitamin D is bad, and a lot of vitamin D is good?


That’s not completely accurate or consistent. A study that examined people who lived longer than average showed that they had especially low levels of vitamin D. Another study, however, raised the possibility that vitamin D might extend a person’s lifespan.

What does this mean?


The subject of vitamin D’s actual benefits has yet to be completely resolved, but there is significant evidence suggesting that a normal level may protect against various health risks.

For more great nutrition information (including foods to never eat), click here.

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Comments 9

  1. I too was diagnosed with serious vitamin D deficiency….thank goodness, since it was the first clue that I also had very high calcium in my blood and that led to the diagnose of a tumor on one of my four parathyroid glands. (I had never even heard of parathyroid glands) In little more than 2 years I had gone from pretty darn good health to feeling awful. I had gained 30 lbs., had screaming pain in my right shoulder and arm. had torn the meniscus in first my left knee and then a year later the right one. I had a bout of A-Fib and was diagnosed with COPD and Asthma. Oh, I had started getting shingles every other month or so. I was a mess, felt as though I was 200 years old, and I was scared.

    Two months ago I had two of the four parathyroid glands removed (it was simple and fast) and I feel two million times better!!! I took lots of calcium for this past two months, but now I have stopped and from the way I feel I’m pretty sure my remaining glands are doing a good job. I take 1000 units of D3 once a day. I live in sunny California, but the doctor told me that adults lose the ability to convert sun exposure to D. I will have it checked (Lab blood test) again in 3 months and he may lower the amount at that time. I am praying that at long last this weight will start to drop!!!!
    PS. 4sue…I think you should ask your doctor how much D3 to take. Too much may not be good.

  2. The study that showed people who lived longer than average had low levels of vitamin D to be confusing. It makes me wonder about the studies being referenced through out this article. I also think that the difference between 1000 to 2000 units a day is big; I am looking for guidance on how much to take a day and don’t find that very helpful. Also, how does one get their D levels checked?

  3. Hello, I found out about 8 months ago that I was seriously Vitamin D deficient and obese. My PCP put me on 50,000 IU every 3 days, I have since lost 54 pounds, I feel so much better. At the same time I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and put on a pill. My diabetes is under control, I have more energy and my cravings for sweets has disappeared, I only eat natural sugars found in raw natural fruits…ie..pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew melons, apples, strawberries, black and blueberries, kiwi, oranges, bananas. I will make smoothies from these fruits mixed with dark leafy greens for fiber and fullness.

  4. Good Morning, I asked myself the same question So google’d it 😀 there is a lot of foods containing Vitimin D
    I was amazed! Fish being one of the top foods rich in Vitamin D. And of course there is always the Tablet form BUT if your eating a healthy balanced diet its unlikely you’ll
    need to take suppliments.
    Jayne

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