Despite its name, vitamin D is not a regular vitamin. It’s actually a steroid hormone that you are designed to obtain primarily through sun exposure, not via your diet.
It’s estimated that over 95% of Canadian senior citizens may be deficient in vitamin D, not only because they tend to spend a lot of time indoors but also because they produce less in response to sun exposure (a person over the age of 70 produces about 30 percent less vitamin D than a younger person with the same sun exposure.
Researchers have also noted that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in adults of all ages who always wear sun protection (which blocks vitamin D production) or limit their outdoor activities. People with increased skin pigmentation (such as those whose ancestors are from Africa, the Middle East, or India) are also at risk. And those in northern countries like Canada where vitamin production is nil for 6 months out of the year are particularly at risk.
Signs and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Fatigue & chronic exhaustion
- Feeling depressed & low energy
- Being 50 years old +
- Overweight or obese
- Chronic pain, aching bones & muscles
- Excessive sweating
- Mood fluctuations
& Digestive disturbances - Unexplained infertility
Vitamin D also fights infections, including colds and the flu, as it regulates the expression of genes that influence your immune system to attack and destroy bacteria and viruses. Research indicates that optimizing your vitamin D levels can protect against cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and help in DNA repair.
Vitamin D should be measured in all Canadians (optimal levels are between 100-150nmol/l). A simple blood test (requiring only 6 drops) is all that is needed and should be done twice per year.
At Optimal Health Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, we offer laboratory testing available to test your vitamin D blood levels. Contact us today for further details!