Vitamin D

Vitamin D and Decreased Incidence of Osteoporosis

When vitamin D is taken with calcium, bone loss is slowed and there is less chance of fracture. Without the presence of vitamin D, less calcium is absorbed which increases the risk of fracture and the weakening of bones. Vitamin D supplements can help those who are at an increased risk of getting osteoporosis.

Vitamin D and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is defined as plaques on the skin. Studies have shown that vitamin D3 can possibly control the growth of skin cells and decrease the severity of skin plaques. The vitamin D is applied topically as an ointment and is well- tolerated and safe.

Vitamin D and Decreased Muscle Pain and Weakness

Kids and adults who have vitamin D deficiency tend to have more muscle pain and weakness, such as increased low back pain. Taking Vitamin D supplements have been shown to decrease the incidence of pain and weakness in the muscles.

Vitamin D and Controlling Diabetes

Vitamin D has been shown to improve cell sensitivity to insulin, which decreases the occurrence and severity of diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be controlled with vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention

Vitamin D can possibly help prevent and treat cancer. Some cancers that seem to improve with supplementation include colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.

Vitamin D and Controlling High Blood Pressure

Vitamin D supplements may work to prevent and lower hypertension, or high blood pressure. Studies have shown that the occurrence of high blood pressure tends to be higher in populations that are located further from the equator, in the winter season, and in people with variations in skin pigmentation. All of these situations include lack of sunlight which equals lower levels of vitamin D. Supplementing with vitamin D can possibly help with high blood pressure.

Vitamin D and the Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis

One of the risk factors for getting Multiple Sclerosis is decreased exposure to sunlight. The incidence of Multiple Sclerosis tends to be higher in areas further from the equator and in those that are overcast and cloudy. Taking vitamin D supplements can decrease the chance of getting Multiple Sclerosis.

Vitamin D Dosage Recommendations

Dosage of vitamin D can vary from person to person. If an individual has a diet high in vitamin D sources or has a lot of exposure to sunlight, 400 IU should be enough. For others, the amount of vitamin D taken daily can be between 1,000 and 2,000 IU.

Talk to your health care provider if you have questions as to the dosage appropriate for your situation and to avoid possible side effects.

Vitamin D Side Effects

High doses of vitamin D, especially when taken over a long period of time, can cause damage to the levels of calcium in the body which in turn can harm organs and bones. Other side effects include fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, headaches, metallic taste, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. High doses usually refers to levels higher than 4,000 IU daily, which causes calcium levels to increase to harmful levels.

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should be safe when taking lower doses of vitamin D.

Because of the effect on calcium levels, individuals with kidney disease should be monitered carefully if taking vitamin D. Also, those with sarcoidosis, artherosclerosis, hyperparathyroidism, histoplamosis, and lymphoma should be cautious. Find Vitamin D and other nutrition options with the free supplement finder now!