Description
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine" vitamin. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet sunrays, a cholesterol compound beneath the skin is converted into vitamin D. This nutrient is then absorbed into the body.
Vitamin D is fat soluble and requires fat in order to be absorbed through the digestive tract. It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestinal tract and is also required for vitamin A assimilation.
Vitamin D is essential for proper growth and development of bones and teeth in children. It is also involved in heart beat regulation. It enhances immunity, prevents muscle weakness, supports the nervous system, and normalizes blood clotting. It is also required for proper thyroid function.
This vitamin is food for maintenance of strong bones and teeth. When taken with vitamin C and A, it aids in preventing colds. Vitamin D also helps alleviate stress.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Vitamin D is used to treat or prevent acne, alcoholism, allergies, arthritis, eczema, osteoporosis, psoriasis, stress, and urinary tract infection.
Vitamin D helps treat rickets. This bone deformity in children is characterized by the body's inability to calcify the bone matrix, leading to soft bones, spinal curvature, and bowing of the legs. Osteomalacia is a similar condition in adults.
Source
Vitamin D is found in butter, dairy products, dandelion greens, egg yolks, saltwater fish, fish liver oils, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and is synthesized through skin exposure to the sun.
It is available in most multi-vitamin/mineral supplements and also in isolated form. Common doses range between 400 and 1,000 IU.
Optimal Absorption
Substances that may destroy or limit absorption of vitamin D include mineral oil, prescription drugs, and smog.
The following is a list of United States 1997-1998 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI): Adequate Intakes (AI) for nutritional vitamin D intake and are included as a guideline only. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with vitamin D.
NOTE: (1mcg = 40 IU)
0 - 5 months, 5mcg 6 - 11 months, 5mcg 9 - 13, 5mcg 14 - 18, 5mcg 19 - 30, 5mcg 31 - 50, 5mcg 51 - 70, 10mcg > 70, 15mcg 9 - 13, 5mcg 14 - 18, 5mcg 19 - 30, 5mcg 31 - 50, 5mcg 51 - 70, 10mcg > 70, 15mcg Use the value listed for women of comparable age. Use the value listed for women of comparable age.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Doses in excess of 1,000 IU per day may be toxic.
As ultraviolet rays can promote aging and cancer of the skin, be weary of excess exposure to the sun. You must balance between vitamin D synthesis from outdoor exposure and necessary intake from all food sources. Supplementation is another option if you require higher levels of vitamin D.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
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