Vitamin D - Women 40 yrs Plus

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D, also known as Cholecalciferol, is the only vitamin that the body is capable of producing on its own. Diet and/or supplementation is required to produce all of the body's other daily requirements. In order to produce vitamin D the body must be exposed to sunlight however an hour each week is generally sufficient.

As Vitamin D is a very stable fat soluble vitamin, the body is capable of storing it for later use. Vitamin D is not broken down during food preparation or exposure to heat sources due to its stability.

Benefits of Vitamin D

  • Helps the body absorb calcium and therefore assists in keeping bones strong and less prone to breaks and brittleness.

    • vitamin D

  • Ample amounts of Vitamin D greatly reduce the risks of developing osteoporosis and joint damage.

  • This vitamin is also known to slow down the effects of arthritis and control back pain.

  • Vitamin D is also required for proper absorption of phosphorus.

  • Vitamin D is currently being studied as an effective way to protect the body against colorectal cancer and the development of certain types of autoimmune diseases. Early results are promising.
Sources of Vitamin D
    vitamin D
  • Milk that has been fortified with Vitamin D gives an added bonus by providing the body with significant amounts of calcium

  • Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines

  • Animal fats including organ meats, butter, egg yolks and full-fat dairy products

  • Orange juice and cereals fortified with Vitamin D

  • Herbal supplement of cod liver oil

Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency

Children who do not get sufficient quantities of Vitamin D have been contracting Rickets in recent times. Although this disease was thought to be under control, it has now begun to reappear. Primary symptoms are soft bones and bones developing abnormally. Infants that do not get sufficient Vitamin D can develop a condition in which bones do not harden. This results in bowed legs, stunted growth and a lot of pain.

In later stages of life, insufficient levels of Vitamin D can cause osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and fracture easily. Since Vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestines, diseases in the gall bladder, liver, intestines and the pancreas can impede absorption and lead to deficiencies.

Recommended Daily Intake

The recommended daily intake for adults is 200 – 400 IU (International Units). Individuals aged 50 – 70 should increase their intake to 400 IU whilst those older than 70 should have an intake of 600 IU/day. It is also suggested that breastfed babies be given a Vitamin D supplement.

It should be noted however that health-related problems can result from over-supplementation. Excessive amounts of calcium can lead to the development of kidney stones and over-calcification of teeth and bones. Arteries may have cause to harden due to excessive calcium deposits.

Please discuss with your doctor if you feel you may be suffering from a deficiency of Vitamin D.

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