Are you getting enough Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is important throughout all life stages from fertility, pregnancy, childhood and into the later years of life. A recent national survey has shown that over 80% of New Zealand women are deficient in vitamin D. Many processes in the body are affected by vitamin D, with deficiency causing bone disease in children and increasing the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly.

Not just for bones

Vitamin D not only keeps your bones strong but also is important for tissue growth, healing, sleep, mood and supporting your immune system. Vitamin D is also important if you are trying to conceive as low levels are associated with infertility. During pregnancy, adequate vitamin D status reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm birth. Breast milk contains very little vitamin D, so breastfed babies also benefit from additional vitamin D.

Children and adults experiencing recurrent infections like colds and ear infections, and other respiratory diseases including asthma and autoimmune conditions can also benefit from having optimal vitamin D levels. Recent studies have even suggested that vitamin D may protect against some forms of cancer, diabetes and heart disease!

Deficiency

Adults can experience vitamin D deficiency as a dull ache in their muscles and bones with weakness that can develop into a condition called osteomalacia. Vitamin D is important in the production of melatonin and serotonin, so a deficiency can cause problems such as insomnia and depression. Vitamin D levels below 75nmol/L are considered deficient.

How you get vitamin D

To make sure you have optimal vitamin D levels, not everyone can rely on sun exposure, and diet alone.

Your skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D, which is then used throughout your body. Of course, these days most people are concerned about excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen or cover up with clothing, limiting our ability to make vitamin D.

Being over 60 or having naturally dark skin will also make your skin slower to use sunlight to make vitamin D.

As we head into shorter days and colder, wetter weather, we tend to have even lower vitamin D levels which makes us prone to a host of health issues like colds and flu. 

Unlike many vitamins and minerals, you are unlikely to get enough vitamin D from food and drink. Supplementation is the easiest way to ensure our bodies have a sufficient supply. It's like a modern version of cod-liver oil, without the unpleasant fishy taste.

Supplementing your vitamin D

Here are some vitamin D supplements that we recommend, and that are usually available in our stock:

• Eagle - Vitamin D3 Spray 50ml
• Thorne - Vitamin D / K2 Liquid 30ml
• Metagenics - Vitamin D3 1000IU capsules

Some of our supplements are practitioner-only. We'll need to provide you with a consultation before you can order those, to make sure you're getting the right supplement for your needs. We're happy to consult via email or phone call!