Vitamin d
What is vitamin D?
1. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin.
2. It is available in these two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol)
3. It is critical for building bones.
4. It helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus.
How do I get vitamin D naturally?
1. Vitamin D is present in the following foods:
- Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines .
- Egg yolks, red meat (beef, pork, lamb, venison, etc.)
2. Vitamin D is absorbed thru your skin from that big orange thing in the sky we call Mr. Sun :). This is a great form of the vitamin, but the majority of us in the midwest are deficient and not properly absorbing it.
I am outside and get lots of Vitamin D, isn't that enough?
1. In our body Vitamin D starts as a cholesterol molecule, we will call this D1. Near the surface of the skin Mr. Sun zaps (synthesizes) this D1 and turns it into D2. Our body uses activating enzymes in our liver to turn this into D3 and the kidneys turn it into D4.
2. Unfortunately due to our wonderful four seasons in the midwest we do not get enough sunshine. We also do not spend as much time as we would like outside when the sun is around (think hot and humid days).
3. According to the National Institute of Health 1 in 4 adults is low in Vitamin D.
How can I tell if I am low on Vitamin D?
1. We will start to notice that we are tired, have depressed moods, muscle aches, bone pain,, not sleeping well, and being sick more frequently.
2. The darker our skin is the less our body is able to synthesis the D1 in our bodies from the sun.
3. Visual indicators of low Vitamin D are: hair loss and pale skin.
How can you help me?
1. For starters we can do lab draws to check your Vitamin D levels.
2. Once we have established your baseline levels we can determine what we need to do to help you.
3. We will recommend a Vitamin D3 supplement.
4. We will also look at adding cofactors such as magnesium or K2. Fatty acids, fats like: butter, bacon grease, fish and olive oil for optimal absorption.