Benefits of Vitamin D

11. Jun, 2009 Comments Off

A common assumption is that humans produce all the Vitamin D we need with daily exposure to the sun, but recent studies have shown that 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, is essential for many body functions. Many people fail to get the recommended amounts even with added vitamin D in milk and other foods, especially if they limit their time in the sun . Since there is no symptoms of a deficiency, experts recommend getting a blood test at least once in their lifetime to determine levels.

Here are some health benefits of vitamin D:

Helps absorb calcium for healthy bones and teeth
Helps prevent or delay the onset of diabetes
Helps prevent cardiovascular disease
Helps prevent certain types of cancer
Lessens pain in osteoarthritis sufferers

Most experts recommend taking a supplement with 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily. However, check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.