Why you should be looking at your Vitamin D levels: Importance of Vitamin D – One of the oldest known uses of vitamin D has been the use of Vitamin D in bone strength and bone density. Vitamin D and calcium form the basis for the strength of bones. Vitamin D is an extremely important element in calcium level maintenance, also known as bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium. It is also linked to lowering the risk of some cancers. One often asked question is “How does Vitamin D help you lose weight”. There are numerous benefits of Vitamin D for weight loss which we will discuss in the following article.
Where to get Vitamin D – When people think of vitamin D one of the most common answers of where to get some Vitamin D is.. “Just go out in the sun”. This is true however it is not the end all be all of how to get Vitamin D. The main sources of Vitamin D are sunlight, milk, fish, eggs, and margarine.
How much Vitamin D do I need?
To answer the often asked question of “How do I know if I’m getting enough Vitamin D”, we have to look at what is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D. Children generally need less Vitamin D than adults, however, it is important to get the right amount of Vitamin D to ensure healthy and consistent growth of a child. Children starting from the age of 9 should have around a daily intake of 600 IU’s but stay below 4000 IU, which is the maximum daily limit of Vitamin D that you should have.
Do I need a supplement?
It is generally recommended that you get your Vitamin D from whole foods and natural sources, however if you are unable to do this and meet your Vitamin D requirements then it would be advised and beneficial for you to go ahead and take some Vitamin D supplements. This would allow you to reach your Vitamin D goals.
Can I get it from sunlight?
When your skin is exposed to the sun and you are not wearing any sort of sunscreen, your body naturally produces Vitamin D. This also depends on your skin tone, your age, and where you live. Do not depend only on sunshine to meet your Vitamin D needs.
Is Vitamin D deficiency a problem?
70% of the world’s population is vitamin deficient, including the people that live in areas where sunlight is plentiful year round. Vitamin D deficiency is definitely a problem in the world.
Vitamin D and weight:
One very often asked question is “Does vitamin D help lose belly fat?”, and “Can low Vitamin D make you gain weight?” When you’re thinking about how to lose belly fat, how to reduce your tummy fat or how to reduce weight in general, Vitamin D plays a pivotal role. Although there is no substitute for a caloric deficit when trying to lose weight, Vitamin D supplementation aids weight loss and the beneficial effects of a reduced-calorie diet.
How do I boost my levels?
After reading all of these benefits of Vitamin D you might be thinking, “How can I boost my Vitamin D levels?” Boosting your vitamin D levels can be done by going out and getting some sunlight, and eating Vitamin D rich foods. Those with fair skin will only need around 10-15 minutes out in the sun to get their recommended daily amount of Vitamin D. However, as stated before, do not depend only on sunshine to meet your Vitamin D needs.
How much is too much?
Anything above the maximum daily allowance – 4000 IU’s, can be considered “Too much” Vitamin D. As long as you stay below that, you’re good. Why you should be looking Vitamin D levels: Regardless of whether you are Vitamin D deficient or not, it is imperative that you get the right amount of it for proper functioning of your day to day health. Make sure you spend some time in the sun so that your body naturally produces some Vitamin D as well as eat enough eggs and fish to ensure you’re getting your daily requirements.