vitamin D for wellness

It is estimated that approximately 35 percent of the US population may be deficient in vitamin D, a nutrient whose benefits seem to keep growing.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts like a steroid hormone in the body, coming in two forms in the diet, D2 and D3. Food sources of vitamin D include dairy milk, fortified cereals, and fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel). The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 10 micrograms (mcg) (400 IU) for infants under 12 months, 15 mcg (600 IU) for teens and adults, and 20 mcg (800 IU) for adults over 70. Research suggests most Americans do not consume these levels in their diets, and most research looking at vitamin D3 was done with a higher level than the recommended daily intake levels. Many adults take 25 mcg (1,000 IU) of vitamin D3 to help ensure sufficient daily intake of vitamin D3 for optimum health.

Vitamin D can also be produced in skin when exposed to sunlight. Studies have shown that approximately 20 percent of US children under 12 years of age have a vitamin D deficiency. This rate rises to 50 percent in Black children. For both groups, defciencies could be made worse by spending more time indoors playing video games and engaging in other indoor activities, and not getting enough sunlight.

Vitamin D is known for its role in bone health, and may play a role in mental health, but it’s the role in keeping us well that has a lot of interest right now.

Immune Health. Vitamin D is needed to modulate, or balance, the immune system, and to activate immune defenses. A deficiency of vitamin D results in the killer cells of the immune system (T cells) not properly reacting to and fighting off serious infections in the body. The result can be an increase in autoimmune action, as well as an increased risk for infection. Maintaining vitamin D status is important for normal immune system function.

Respiratory Health. Vitamin D may play a role in respiratory health. One study found that people with asthma who had low vitamin D levels had increased odds of suffering asthma attacks compared with those with normal vitamin D levels. Another study found that adding supplemental vitamin D improved breathing capacity in people with asthma who use an inhaler. Research suggests that vitamin D works both by reducing inflammation in the lungs and enhancing the immune response against respiratory pathogens.

If you haven’t had your vitamin D levels checked, talk to your doctor about getting it done. It’s the best place to start to determine how much vitamin D you may need to take each day. ●

Paragon Plus™ Vitamin D3 1,000 IU

Essential nutrient needed to help maintain bone density.* May support immune health.* Supplies 25 mcg (1,000 IU) of the bioactive D3 form of vitamin D.