Vitamin D needed as days become shorter

 In Opinion

As fall is upon us and Daylight Savings Time is around the corner, the importance for Vitamin D supplementation is greater.
Vitamin D is a super vitamin that most of us don’t get nearly enough of here in Canada.
Low blood levels have been associated with Cancer, Asthma in children, fatigue, depression and frequent colds/flues.
There is a lot of contradicting methodology as far as the proper dose. Truly you can only know your deficiency and therefore how much you need to take by testing levels in your blood.
Studies have shown that most adults are safe to take 2,000-4,000 IU per day, especially in the fall and winter months. The higher dose is recommended for most of us suffering from a deficiency. It is a fat-soluble vitamin so this means that you can overdose, since it is stored in fat tissue.
Anything over 4,000 IU/day is considered mega-dosing, so talk to your naturopath to know what the best dose is for you.
Nursing moms and children are also at risk for this vitamin deficiency. Babies and young children are recommended to take around 400 IU of vitamin D per day and nursing moms should take around double the normal adult dose (between 5000-8000 IU).
My preferred Vitamin D product is D mulsion 1000 by Seroyal. It is an easy gel that you can take each morning (also kid friendly). Also, be sure that you are also trying to get outside in the sunshine most days – the sun activates Vitamin D in order for our bodies to be able to utilize it.
Foods that you can consume that are high in vitamin D are; Salmon, herring, sardines, shrimp, oysters, egg yolk, mushrooms and fortified foods like soy milk, orange juice and cereals.
In good health,
Dr. Kate Hunter, ND.

Kate Hunter is a naturopathic doctor who is practising at Bod ‘n Balance on weekends. Visit www.katehunternd.com.

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