by D. P. Noe

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 23, 2010

JUST SAY YES TO VITAMIN D

How much do you really know about Vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency? If you are like most individuals, your knowledge is probably limited. This sunshine vitamin may be the key to boosting your immunity against the flu. Individuals that have low levels of vitamin D in their system are more likely to have more colds and catch the flu easier. Vitamin D deficiency mean that you have a blood level of less than 30 nanograms per milliliter of blood. If you have enough vitamin D you produce a protein known as cathelicidin which is known for helping your immune system to fight off infections. The solution here is simple:

Do you get enough Vitamin D? The truth is that many of us are short on this vitamin. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and plays a major role in bone density and the prevention of osteoporosis. There is also a lot of research that is suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in protecting us from cancer,diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

Sunlight is the main supplier of vitamin D. Many of us are confined to the inside of buildings and have very little opportunity for exposure to sunshine, in turn we are not getting the minimum requirement of exposure of daily sunlight. In addition, we eat very few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Foods high in vitamin D are cod liver oil and oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. How many individuals do you know that have a diet with a large percentage of their food coming from these sources? Chances are you are one of these individuals.

A lack of vitamin D causes the body not to be able to manufacture 1,25-d.OH-D, which in turns results in the decreased absorption of dietary calcium and increases the loss of calcium in bowel movements. The bones are affected because it results in lack of bone mineralization. In younger growing individuals this is called calcification. In the older adults it causes an increased demineralization known as decalcification. This all translates that vitamin D is essential to calcium absorption and is involved in proper bone mineralization. It also helps to maintain a healthy immune system.

Living in northern countries or with many of our elderly population living in nursing homes, it is a reason for decreased exposure to sunlight. If you have dark skin, have an infant child, chances are the exposure to sun is also less than what is needed. If you are a Arabic female and cover your face and body with black cloth, wear a veil and black gloves,

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