Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced within the body when sun meets the skin. You can also absorb vitamin D from food products such as fatty fish, mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light and fortified dairy products. During cooler months or for indoor dominated lifestyles, many people turn to vitamin supplements. To learn more about vitamin D, then read through these facts from our team of chiropractors.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium and promotes stronger, healthier bones. Vitamin D also plays a role in reducing inflammation and boosting immune function and cell growth. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that to effectively absorb the vitamin you need to consume it with foods that are rich in fatty oils or find vitamin D supplements that contain these same fats. Also, as calcium and vitamin D work hand in hand, it’s important that you supplement your vitamin D with adequate levels of calcium.
How much vitamin D do I need?
The amount of vitamin D that you need varies considerably according to your age, especially during the younger years. Infants aged 0 to 6 months require an intake of between 400 IU and 1,000 IU per day. Infants aged 6 to 12 months require an intake of between 400 IU and 1,500 IU per day. Children aged 1-3 years require between 600 IU and 2,500 IU daily and children aged 4-8 require between 600 IU and 3,000 IU daily. For most people (age 9-70) the daily intake is between 600 IU and 4,000 IU daily, with those over 71 requiring 800 IU and 4,000 IU daily. A lack of vitamin D can contribute to a range of diseases and conditions, including dementia, prostate cancer and heart disease. If you are feeling the effects of vitamin D deficiency, then contact the Helensvale Chiropractic Centre today. Our team of professional chiropractors can help treat a range of associated conditions including bone and back pain, fatigue and tiredness and muscle pain. Based on the Gold Coast, our chiropractors offer the very best treatments to suit your individual needs.