11/07/2018
Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body, helping to: maintain the health of bones and teeth, support the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system, regulate insulin levels and aid diabetes management, support lung function and cardiovascular health, and influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development.
If your body doesn't get enough Vitamin D, you're at risk of developing bone abnormalities such as soft or fragile bones (osteoporosis).
It is estimated that sensible sun exposure on bare skin for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per week allows most people t produce sufficient Vitamin D, but Vitamin D breaks down quite quickly, meaning that stores can run low, especially in Winter.
Vitamin D is produced by the body as a response to sun exposure; it can also be consumed in food or supplements. Few foods contain Vitamin D naturally; because of this some foods are fortified (this means Vitamin D has been added). These foods include; salmon, egg yolk, shrimp, sardines, and milk and cereal (fortified).
The symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency in adults include: tiredness, aches and pains, and a general sense of not feeling well, severe bone or muscle pain or weakness that may cause difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from the floor or a low chair, or cause you to walk with a waddling gait, stress fractures, especially in your legs, pelvis, and hips
A Vitamin D deficiency can be diagnosed by performing a simple blood test or x-ray to check the strength of your bones. Talk to Dr. Kaufman, Sue or Des at your visit to determine if these tests are appropriate for you.
