As we approach fall and the amount of sunlight decreases, so will our ability to make vitamin D from sunlight. This is a very good time of year to have your healthcare provider check your vitamin D level. I like my patients to have a level of at least 60 going in to winter. If you don’t know your level, it is a good idea to find out!

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone, not really a vitamin. We get vitamin D from direct sunlight and supplements. In order to make vitamin D from the sun, the sun has to be at at least a 90 degree angle to the earth. Here in Indiana, we cannot make vitamin D from about October to April. This is why many of us here need to take supplements.

You probably already know that vitamin D is important for the health of our bones, as it promotes the absorption of calcium. Past and current research is proving that vitamin D is likely important for many other things. Vitamin D helps the immune system attack and destroy viruses and bacteria. Another important reason to have an optimal level before winter.

Research on vitamin D is showing that it may be very important for avoiding certain cancers, such as breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, esophageal, and lymphatic (wedmd.com). It is proving to be a factor in cardiovascular disease and has even been shown to lower blood pressure. Deficiency of vitamin D is often a factor in autoimmune diseases.

When I checked my family several years ago, we were all dramatically low. This was particularly worrisome for my growing son. We all take a low amount of vitamin D during the summer and higher amounts in the winter. Most people can use a dose of around 2000iu daily, but I seriously recommend having your level checked and then rechecked once you are taking the supplement. Vitamin D toxicity does exist, so it is best if your level is monitored.

With all the proven and likely benefits of vitamin D, why not make sure yours is optimal? Please use the comment section below for your thoughts and questions and please share with your family and friends, as vitamin D deficiency is extremely common.