Importance of Vitamin D

Although we all think of vitamin D as a vitamin, it is a hormone with receptors throughout our entire body. It helps balance our mood, helps with bone health and helps our immune system as well.

Did you know that while vitamin D has long been known to assist calcium absorption, it is actually vitamin K that guides the calcium to bones and prevents Calcium absorption into organs, joint spaces and arteries. Studies have shown that vitamin K2 is the more bioavailable form of the nutrient  and more powerfully influences bone building than K1.

The combination of these vitamins is a great support for the whole body.

• Builds and repairs health bones
• Regulates Immune function
• Helps to balance hormones
• Helps with depression
• Supports Cardiovascular disease

Sources of Vitamin D

Foods

While some foods provide vitamin D3 (egg yolks, fatty fish), the quantities are often insufficient.

Sun

The amount of time spent in the sun for our bodies to reap the benefits of vitamin D varies depending on latitude and skin color; closer to the equator, one would need at least 10 minutes of midday sun exposure on bare arms and legs every day, without sunscreen. The higher the latitude, and the darker your skin, the more time you’d need to meet your body’s vitamin D requirements. In northern areas, it can be impossible to get adequate vitamin D through sun exposure in the winter.

Supplements

Unless you’re getting adequate sun exposure, supplementation is likely necessary to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. Optimal vitamin D3 supplementation dosage depends on the individual and is best determined by your blood results. Common dosing for vitamin D3 is about 5000 iu daily.

Don’t forget to add in Vitamin K2! Whenever supplementing with Vitamin D, take a supplement with at least 45mcg of k2.

Get your Vitamin D level checked

For optimal health we recommend a level of 80-120.