Do I Need Vitamin D Supplements?

Taking vitamins and mineral supplements to benefit the human body is important, mainly when deficiencies are present. Vitamin D is one of the most talked about supplements, leading folks to ask, “Do I need vitamin D supplements?” It’s a fair question, and to be honest, answers may vary depending on individual levels and sources.

Aren’t we blessed?

We are fortunate to live in a world of advanced science and medicine. Doctors use information they learn via modern day testing to help keep us healthy. For example, simple blood tests can help doctors detect vitamin and mineral deficiencies in individuals. This information allows them to determine which individuals require supplements. It may also indicate a need for changes in eating habits or lifestyle.

Staying strong

Maintaining adequate levels of key vitamins, is essential for good health. This all-important vitamin serves important functions. The body uses vitamin D to absorb minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. This makes teeth and bones strong. It also supports muscles, nerves, and the all-important immune system.

How do you get vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods such as egg yolks. It can also be added to foods like milk or cereal. In foods, vitamin D has two main forms: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 comes from plants, while animals and people produce D3.

Who benefits?

Vitamin D is widely available as a supplement. Many people benefit from these supplements because it is hard to get enough through food, since few foods naturally contain it. To know what amount is right for you, a medical doctor can offer guidance.  

Hey, but what about the sun?

Vitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure. Essentially, vitamin D3 is produced by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. One of the easiest ways to get vitamin D3 is to spend some time in the sun. However, do talk to your doctor about limiting sun exposure and protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays. People who lack vitamin D in their diet and/or have limited sun exposure and/or have dark-pigmented skin should be monitored for vitamin D deficiency.

Getting proper amounts

When it comes to Vitamin D, it’s important to get the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), maintain Adequate Intake (AI), and meet the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR).

On the one hand….

Some people don’t get enough Vitamin D and need more. People who lack adequate amounts may experience some of the following negative symptoms:

• Fatigue/poor sleep
• Depression/sadness
• Muscle/bone weakness
• Muscle/bone pain
• Low bone density
• Bone fractures
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent illness
• And more

On the other hand…

Some people take in more vitamin D than they need, usually from taking too many supplements. Too much Vitamin D may cause some of the following negative symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Excessive thirst
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• High blood pressure
• Heart arrhythmias
• And more

Know what you need!

It’s important to take in proper amounts of vitamin D; not too little and not too much. A vitamin D test is an accurate way to measure vitamin D levels in the blood. A quick blood test can be administered to check D levels. A vitamin D test may also be ordered in relation to other medical conditions such as osteomalacia which causes soft bones, usually due to prolonged deficiency of vitamin D.

A wonder vitamin?

 “Do I need vitamin D supplements?”  is a common question. Vitamin D is sometimes called a wonder pill because it helps people stay healthy and strong. This “super vitamin” demonstrates promise in treating immune system diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Mayo Clinic shares that people diagnosed with MS who take Vitamin D supplements demonstrate symptoms that “aren’t as bad as they would be if they didn’t take Vitamin D.” Additionally, taking vitamins, particularly D, may also help lower incidences of relapse, possibly even decreasing new scarring in the nervous system. Thus, the wonder vitamin may not only aid in the lessening of medical symptoms but also work toward future prevention of specific diseases.  

To learn more about nutrition, particularly how to get kids to eat veggies, click here.

This article is purely informational and is not a medical resource or substitute for medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding nutrition and vitamins, a medical doctor is your best resource.