Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that our body needs. We often hear that we get it from sunlight, but do we truly understand its importance and where else we can find it? Let’s explore this essential topic in today’s article.
Firstly, vitamin D plays a crucial role in creating proteins within our body. It helps regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the health of our teeth, muscles, and bones.
Additionally, vitamin D plays a significant role in preventing various diseases. Surprisingly, 70 percent of our required vitamin D comes from sunlight. When sunlight touches our skin, it triggers chemical reactions in our body. The remaining 30 percent comes from the foods we eat.
The best time to soak up sunlight for vitamin D is between 10 am and 3 pm. Apart from sunlight, you can also get vitamin D from certain foods. For example, marine fish like tuna are excellent sources of this vitamin. Egg yolks and red fish also contain vitamin D.
Now, let’s talk about what happens if you don’t have enough vitamin D in your body. One of the most common issues is bone problems. This deficiency can affect anyone, from young to old. In adults, it’s called osteomalacia, and in children, it’s known as rickets.
In adults, a lack of vitamin D can lead to weak and painful bones that are prone to fractures. Children may experience developmental problems. When vitamin D levels drop, it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to diseases like colds and the flu.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward way to check if you have enough vitamin D in your body—a blood test. If your test results show less than 25 nanomoles per liter, it indicates a deficiency.
Certain groups of people are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. Those who live in regions with less sunlight, especially during the winter months, may not get enough sunlight exposure. However, vitamin D is one of the easiest vitamins to obtain.
