3 Reasons Taking More Vitamin D May Be Right For You
Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient with a central role in maintaining health. I recommend prudent daily sun exposure to support the natural production of vitamin D in our skin as one of the best ways to get enough of this vitamin. Be certain that prudent means sun exposure without getting burned. But if you, like too many of us these days, have few opportunities during the day, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Decreased or insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to:
- Suppressed immunity: Our innate systems of defense may not function efficiently without adequate vitamin D, allowing increased susceptibility to infectious agents.
- Increased risk of chronic disease: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a higher than normal risk of several health conditions.
- Heightened inflammation: Vitamin D is a key cofactor in regulating inflammation throughout the body.
Speak with your doctor about checking your 25-hydroxy vitamin D level and find out if supplementing is recommended and at what dosage. Look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol).
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