Vitamin D – Who should be taking it?

Vitamin D – Who should be taking it?

Vitamin D is also called the “Sunshine Vitamin” because it’s produced by your skin in response to sunlight. Vitamin D has several important functions such as cellular health, immune function and healthy bone density by enhancing the ability of the small intestine to absorb calcium. Vitamin D also plays an important role in mood balance, research has found that Vitamin D levels may be lower in those diagnosed with depression.

Does everyone need it?

There are a lot of factors that can impact your ability to produce enough Vitamin D. These include working indoors, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seasonal changes to sunlight, or living in an area with high pollution. Unfortunately, in Australia the current food supplies and patterns of eating make it almost impossible to obtain sufficient Vitamin D via the diet alone. Some people may need to supplement to reach their recommended daily intake of Vitamin D. There are also populations that are more at risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency. Older persons living in the community or in residential care have a reduced capacity in the skin to produce Vitamin D, also, those in these age groups tend to have limited mobility and access to sunshine. Adolescents and young children are also at increased risk as the Vitamin D requirements for rapid growth are higher. The symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency in adults often presents as tiredness, aches and pains, muscle pain or weakness, low mood, high frequency of catching colds or, an increase in stress fractures.