🌥️ What is Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D, arguably, is the most important fat soluble vitamin playing a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of numerous health concerns. It’s commonly known for its role in bone health, but its health implications extend far beyond including muscle strength, immune system regulation, inflammatory processes, cancer, brain & nervous system health. With most Canadians either deficient and/ or having sub-optimal levels, it’s time to start thinking about getting your levels checked. It can be measured by a simple blood test ordered by your Doctor.
The most potent dose of vitamin D is through sunlight exposure. Dietary sources include fatty fish, egg yolks, beef liver, cod liver oil, and mushrooms, but by no means an exhaustive list. You can also get vitamin d (paired nicely with vitamin k2) through supplementation, although I advise you to check your levels prior to supplementation and work with your integrative health care practitioner.
Generally, vitamin D deficiency can be caused by Inadequate intake through diet and/or insufficient exposure to sunlight or the body’s inability to properly absorb and/or utilize vitamin D. Additionally, various biological and environmental factors —such as older age and higher melanin levels in the skin—can increase the risk of developing a deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency can affect anyone— infants, adults, and children. It can be difficult to have specific symptoms that suggest a deficiency, but a more general approach to consider would be to think about its implications in fatigue, frequent illness, muscle/bone pain, mood, mental health, and weight gain.
🛎️ George’s Final Words:
Vitamin D is unique among nutrients due to its wide-reaching impact on the entire body. In Ontario, testing for vitamin D levels is not usually covered by OHIP and typically costs about $40. I encourage you to speak with your integrative health care practitioner about checking your vitamin D level.
Dr. George Makrides, ND
