Why Is Vitamin D Important for Our Health?
Vitamin D is a very essential vitamin that is crucial to our immune health. Research also shows association between deficiencies of Vitamin D and the incidences of chronic diseases. In this section we will highlight the important scientific discoveries regarding this fat-soluble vitamin.
Dietary foods rich in Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is present in eggs, wild fish (like sardines, salmon, halibut, mackerel, etc.), Fish oil, Mushrooms, Vitamin D fortified orange juice, soy milk, and cereal, as well as cow's milk and other forms of dairy.
It is important to note that only 20% of the Vitamin D is supposed to come from one’s diet—the remaining 80% is expected to be produced in the skin through sun exposure.
However, with the advent of industrialization people and children are venturing less and less into the outdoors. This can be one of the causes for the epidemic of deficiencies that is prevalent among different age groups and the occurrence of metabolic disease along with it.
Role in immune and metabolic health:
Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with autoimmune diseases (like Type 1 Diabetes) where a person's immune cells can attack the Beta cells of the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes incidence was reduced by over 70% within a study group by supplementing every individual’s diet with 2000IU of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D levels may also play a role in improving one’s insulin secretion and Beta cell health with deficiencies associated with diabetes.
The needed dose of Vitamin D is also influenced by body weight, skin color, and age, with obese, older, and dark-skinned individuals requiring higher levels.
We have discussed the importance of this Vitamin to our health. As noted above, we need to rethink the way we exercise and the diet we eat to ensure that we are not deficient. As always, stay connected with your doctor and live long and strong!
