Vitamin D: Important Nutrient Often Lacking in Our Diets

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth. For many years a chief source of vitamin D has been milk fortified with this vitamin. Recent reports, however, indicate that fewer Americans, including children, are drinking milk.

Vitamin D can also be obtained through foods like fatty fish and eggs as well as through exposure to sunlight. This has also ceased to be an adequate source for many people. Concerns about skin cancer and increases in sunscreen use have led to decreases in sun exposure.

Vitamin D Deficiency Syndrome (VDDS) is what researchers have termed the lack of vitamin D. VDDS has the potential to result in serious health problems.

Vitamin D Deficiency Can Cause Serious Health Issues

Osteoporosis, a significant problem, particularly among postmenopausal women, results as calcium is depleted from the body. Calcium supplements alone cannot reverse the problem, but they must be combined with vitamin D for proper absorption. Taking vitamin D and calcium may reverse osteoporosis or prevent it, if it is taken consistently before menopause. In studies, regular use of vitamin D significantly reduced age-related fractures in those over age 65.

High blood pressure has been linked with low levels of vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D may also result in increased calcium buildup in the arteries, a major part of plaque associated with atherosclerosis. This plaque can result in stroke or heart attack. Scientists have also identified low levels of vitamin D with obesity. Obesity appears to change the skin’s ability to make vitamin D from sunlight and the intestines’ ability to absorb it.

Vitamin D2 or D3 — What’s the Difference?

Most vitamin D supplements use ergocalciferol or vitamin D2, but Vitabase Vitamin D uses cholecalciferol, D3, a more bioactive form. This is the same form of vitamin D that comes from the skin’s exposure to sunlight.

Label Information and Ingredients:

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule every 3-4 days.