Vitamin D-Whats all the fuss about?

WHAT IS VITAMIN D?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. Although many people associate vitamin d with healthy bones, they are unaware of the many other essential functions of vitamin d in our bodies. In addition to facilitating calcium absorption, vitamin d is needed for healthy immunity, cardiovascular function and hormones.

HOW DO WE BECOME DEFICIENT?

Most of the vitamin d is produced by our body, as a result of regular sun exposure. Although in countries like Australia where sun exposure is not a problem, many individuals are still vitamin d deficient. Those at higher risks of developing deficiency include:

-People with dark skin

-People who have limited sun exposure

-Breastfeeding babies with other risk factors

-Certain health conditions

BUT I HAVE DARK SKIN!

It is a misconception that those with dark skin will have healthy vitamin d levels. In fact, dark skin has less ability to produce vitamin d. This is mainly due to the fact that those with darker skin have more of the skin pigment melanin which is a filter to UV light and therefore interferes with the production of vitamin D.

LIMITED SUN EXPOSURE

If you're an office worker, we have some bad news for you. There is a high prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in those who spend the majority of their time at work indoors. There are also many other groups who are at risk of vitamin d deficiency due to the little or no sun exposure they get, such as:

-Those who are housebound

-People who wear concealed clothing due to cultural/religious reasons

-People who avoid the sun due to cosmetic/health concerns

-Those hospitalised for long periods of time.

If you are concerned about your risk factor, do the free ostelin D Test online (Link below):

https://ostelin.com.au/vitamin-d-test/

WHATS THE SOLUTION?

Vitamin d supplements are readily available and are a sensible solution to treat vitamin d deficiency. It should be noted that vitamin d supplements should not be taken without the proper advice from your pharmacist or doctor.

Vitamin D comes in many dosage forms from tablets, soft-gel capsules or liquids and drops, and is usually 100IU per dose. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor about the correct dose for you.

Speak to one of our trained staff members about the various forms of vitamin d available and which is best suited tom you.