The majority of Americans (both children and adults) are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with numerous diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, osteoporosis, psoriasis, periodontal disease, macular degeneration, mental illness, propensity to fall, and chronic pain.
Beyond its role in enhancing calcium absorption, new research has shown that vitamin D improves immune function (fights colds and flus) and can reduce the risk of a variety of cancers.
Factors that affect vitamin D status include: latitude, season, time of day, air pollution, cloud cover, melanin content of the skin, use of sunblock, age, and the extent of clothing covering the body. Also, prescription medications can deplete vitamin D levels. Continue reading “Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?”
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