Blog post written by Kaitlyn Smith, IUPUI dietetic intern Vitamin D is an important nutrient for our bodies, but many people do not get enough! Vitamin D is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the United States. In fact, approximately 35% of American adults have vitamin D deficiency. In this blog, we will uncover sources of vitamin D, why it’s necessary and what complications vitamin D deficiency has on the body. Image from onbetterliving.com Why do we need vitamin D? Vitamin D helps to maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in our blood to build healthy bones and tissues. It also supports a healthy immune system, promotes normal cell growth, and helps fight inflammation. Sources of vitamin D The recommended amount of vitamin D per day is:
We can get vitamin D from several different sources, including:
Image from www.yalemedicine.org Vitamin D deficiency Anyone can be affected by vitamin D deficiency. However, some people are at a higher risk of not getting enough vitamin D, including:
These individuals may benefit from additional time in the sun, eating more vitamin D-rich foods, and/or a vitamin D supplement. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include:
Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed with a blood test. If you are experiencing these symptoms or have other concerns, please contact your doctor to assess the best plan for your individual health. Increasing vitamin D intake Besides spending more time outdoors, we can make sure we are getting enough vitamin D through the foods we eat. Try these simple ways to meet your daily needs:
Vitamin D impacts our body in many ways, so it is important to get enough on a daily basis. For more resources about vitamin D, please refer to the sources below. Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318060 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
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AuthorSarah Wilson, RDN, Nutrition Manager at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, along with guest blog posts by dietetic interns Archives
February 2023
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