The Mighty D
What I love about my job is that I do not sit in an office all day.  I can’t complain about not getting fresh air and sunshine everyday. During my annual physical earlier this year, my complete blood count (CBC) showed I have an insufficient level of vitamin D.   We hear all the time about the benefits of being outside in the sunlight.  From my research for my personal challenge, please read on to see why Vitamin D is the mighty D.
The Mighty D

Could it be that Vitamin D has been ignored until recently? Recent medical studies have linked vitamin deficiency to a whole host of ailments, including fatigue, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, tooth decay, muscle twitches, joint pain, backaches, cramps, hair loss and some cancers.

 

Wearing J. Crew Factory dress, Anthropologie Jan Michaels Tranquil Medallion Pendant with Manolo Blank evening pumps
At the Jay and Nancy Krevsky Theatre Production Center in Harrisburg, Wearing J. Crew Factory dress, Anthropologie Jan Michaels Tranquil Medallion Pendant with Manolo Blahnik pumps

Biology 101 basics state the body itself makes vitamin D when it’s exposed o the sun. The right amount of sunlight can do wonders for lifting your mood, and the vitamin D you gain from sunlight exposure works to bolster your immune system.  In addition to the immune boost that fights of infections, Vitamin D also works to prevent more serious diseases.

 

Vitamin D Can.....
Vitamin D Can…..

Although I spend most of my time as a pharmaceutical sales representative outside visiting medical offices, I spend a great deal of time driving my company vehicle to professional buildings in different towns in Central Pennsylvania. An interesting tidbit is that the benefits of sunlight can’t pierce through the glass, dang windshield!
So this may explain why I have a deficiency in Vitamin D.  In addition, it should be noted that all African Americans have some level of vitamin D deficiency. The pigmentation of African Americans provides protection from the suns rays. It acts as a sunblock which makes it difficult to take in this nutrient. You know I do wear my ultra light sunscreen fluid everyday.  Is this my double whammy against getting my correct dose of the might d?

The use of sunscreen while protecting one’s skin from harmful UV rays can also block the absorption of Vitamin D. Listed below are great sources for Vitamin D:

The Mighty DAdditional Reasons one may not have enough Vitamin D…

  • Cloudy weather/overcast skies
  • Pollution and smog
  • Diet
  • Location-living far from the equator = less sun exposure
  • Age
  • Heredity

How much Vitamin D does one need?
According to a recent episode of Dr Oz, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health and the maintenance of a healthy immune system.  With newer research suggesting that it may also help prevent certain cancers and boost mood, it earns its place as one of the most vital nutrients, the might D in our bodies.  It’s recommended that you get 600 – 1000 IU per day, I personally take D3 1000 IU supplement.

Nature Made D3 1000IU, the Vitamin D supplement that I take daily.
Nature Made D3 1000IU, the Vitamin D supplement that I take daily.

Five forms of Vitamin D have been discovered, Vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, D5. The two that are important to humans are Vitamin D2 and D3. Important note ladies – Vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium which helps to reduce your risk of  osteoporosis.

Because Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin (having too much can be bad), It is important to take Vitamin D in proper doses, check drug interactions for any medications you’re taking with a health professional.

The normal range of Vitamin D in the blood is 30 – 100 ng/ml. My level was 23.9 L which means I was not deficient but insufficient. If you don’t know your Vitamin D level, be sure to have it checked. Who knew the mighty D could greatly impact our health and well-being?

Have a fabulous week!

eugenia_siggy