Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Vitamin D is good for you!
Did you know nearly three out of four adults are deficient in vitamin D? Risk of deficiency increases due to skin pigment, age, and lack of sun exposure. Yes, believe it or not, little to no sun exposure can be a bad thing.
Vitamin D is a nutrient we both consume and our bodies make. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that’s been long known for helping the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are two elements crucial for building bone.
A limited amount of foods naturally contain vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” though specific sustenances are fortified with the vitamin. Typically, the best way to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D is by taking a supplement since it’s hard to adequately get enough through foods.
Vitamin D supplements come in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is found naturally in some plant-based sources such as mushrooms, whereas Vitamin D3 is found in animal-sourced foods.
The current daily recommended vitamin D intake for adult men and women aged 19 years and older is 600 IU (15 mcg). Click here for further insight as to how much vitamin D you should personally be consuming on the daily.
Now that we’ve established the best way to make certain you’re getting vitamin D, let’s check out some items to add to your grocery list that contain the essential nutrient! Lastly, we’ll review some of the major benefits of the sunshine vitamin.
12 Fortified Foods
– Orange Juice
– Whole Milk
– Cereal
– Oatmeal
– Eggs
– Beef Liver
– Sardines
– Cod Liver Oil
– Shrimp
– Salmon
– Mushrooms
– Swiss Cheese
12 Definitely Important Benefits
– Decreases inflammation
– Helps lower blood pressure
– Lower chance of heart disease
– Strengthens bones & teeth
– Helps regulate infections
– Enhances immune system
– Boosts brain function
– Improves mood
– Reduces cancer cell growth
– Prevents certain types of cancer
– Lowers chance of rheumatoid arthritis
– Lowers chance of type 2 diabetes
If you’re still not seeing results, it may be a good idea to visit a doctor to test your Vitamin D levels and recommend a treatment plan. The Dallas Medical Physician Group offers primary care and family care, along with an array of other medical services. Schedule an appointment today to start on the path of getting enough vitamin D!
