Vitamin D 101

Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating your bone metabolism, immune system and inflammatory responses. Lower levels of vitamin D have been associated with various inflammatory disorders, poor bone mineralization and even increased risk of certain cancers.

Considered a global health crisis, it’s estimated that vitamin D deficiency affects about 1 billion people across the globe. Though sunshine and supplements are two common methods for increasing vitamin D levels, you can also get your recommended dose of vitamin D through fortified foods and fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel.

Research has shown that vitamin D deficiencies are often correlated with certain medical conditions, including:

• Osteoporosis (and other forms of poor bone mineralization
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis

Medications such as cholestyramine, colestipol, orlistat and mineral oil can also inhibit vitamin D-absorption so it’s important to first discuss solutions with a healthcare practitioner if your vitamin D levels are low.