D Supplements: New studies suggest they could provide important health benefits

Vitamin D is found in some foods, and it can also be naturally produced by your body after you are out in the sunlight. D supplements can be effective in helping you get the vitamin D you need as well. There are many reasons you should consider making sure you are getting enough vitamin D each day because it seems like all the time there are new and exciting discoveries regarding this particular vitamin.

There are several benefits of d vitamins that are known for sure:. For example, they promote calcium absorption which helps you maintain strong bones and it is involved in strengthening your immune system.

There are other exciting potential benefits of d supplements that are just being discovered, such as a recent study that suggested that vitamin D may help protect you against some cancers, and possibly reverse heart disease. There is also evidence that vitamin D supplements may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with a particularly strong effect on women who suffer anxiety along with PMS and anyone who gets depressed during the shorter days during the winter (often called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder).

The food sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, large fish like salmon and tuna, many breakfast cereals, and egg yolks. Of this list, fish is the most reliable and abundant source. In addition, your body produces vitamin D when you are in the sunlight if you are not wearing sunscreen (it is still important to use sunscreen to prevent cancer and other sun exposure problems - another reason for vitamin d supplementation).

The only other way you can get vitamin D is through over the counter pills or supplements. This might be beneficial for you if you are lactose intolerant or just don’t enjoy milk or drink a lot of it, very sensitive to the sun and/or wear sun block, live far north of the equator like New England in the US, or don’t eat much large fish. Its also important for older adults to take vitamin d supplements because they are less able to produce and/or synthesize vitamin D.

There are serious health risks if you take too much vitamin D in a day because it is not water soluble. Read the container they come in carefully and also consult with your doctor or a pharmacist. Most vitamin d supplements are very clear about the usual adult dose.

You may notice the positive effects of vitamin d supplementation in a short number of days!