Vitamin D plays a very important role in promoting calcium absorption and strong bones. However, if you already have adequate levels of vitamin D in your body, there is no point in taking vitamin D supplements.
Low vitamin D levels can lead to serious problems such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Its deficiency has also been linked to breast cancer and even premature death.
In addition, vitamin D may protect against upper respiratory tract infections.
One of the main sources of vitamin D is sun exposure. The body needs only a short exposure (15-20 minutes, 3 days a week) to produce the norm.
However, the best option for those who cannot be in the sun is to supplement with vitamin D, as it is not enough in food, writes Mundo deportivo.
Vitamin D is found in the following foods: canned tuna, sardines, milk, cereals, and oily fish such as salmon.
When to take vitamin D supplement?
Doctors usually do not include vitamin D levels in classic blood tests. But people who have been diagnosed with a family history of deficiency, rarely get out in the sun, or have osteoporosis should have their levels of this micronutrient lab tested.
It is better to undergo such a blood test in the following situation:
– rare exposure to the sun
– People living in very cold environments, with short days and wearing lots of clothing to protect themselves from the cold, have limited UV-B exposure.
– people over 50 years old. As we age, the body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases.
– obesity. Some studies have shown that excess body fat may be associated with low vitamin D levels.
– dark skin . Excess melanin interferes with the production of vitamin D due to sun exposure.
– bowel problems. This can make it difficult for the intestines to absorb the vitamin D the body needs, which also happens with some medications (steroids).