Vitamin D has been thrown into the spotlight in the news the past 18 months due to it having a vital role in the healthy functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin D has multiple roles that help boost and maintain your body’s health.
Why is vitamin D so important to our health?
Supports the body by:
· Increasing calcium absorption- It helps the body to maintain serum calcium and phosphate concentrations which helps in bone mineralisation which is vital for bone growth and remodelling and aids to reduce spasm and cramps in muscles.
· Can help protect from Osteoporosis and prevent the development of rickets and osteomalacia
· Aids in reducing inflammation
How do I know if I am deficient?
Vitamin D deficiency can present with all or some of these following symptoms:
· Fatigue, tiredness and low energy
· Bone and joint pain
· Muscle aches
· Low mood
· Frequent illnesses
· Anxiety
All of these symptoms may not correlate to any deficiency, but if you are concerned about any of these symptoms contact your GP for a blood test.
How can you increase your vitamin D?
· Food Foods that contain a high level of vitamin D include fatty fish (trout, salmon, tuna), beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms
· Sunlight exposure 5-30 minutes sunlight exposure between 10am-4pm daily to face and arms is suggest to be sufficient depending on season, cloud cover, smog and skin melanin content. However, suncream protection is vital and limit exposure from tanning beds.
· Supplements Supplements are suggested to be taken over winter months to help maintain vitamin D levels
Who is most susceptible to reduced vitamin D levels?
If you are more susceptible to a deficiency, blood tests or awareness of signs and symptoms will help you be notified if interventions are required.
· If you have a milk allergy, lactose intolerant or vegan
· Older adults as your skins ability to absorb and synthesis vitamin D reduces with age.
· Populations with limited sunlight exposure
· Conditions that limit fat absorption i.e liver disease, chrons disease, ulcerative colitis
Belvoir Osteopathy is a new venture set up by Joanna Foxhall from her base in Harby.
To find out more about the services Joanna offers and how osteopathy could benefit you, please read more here.