Posted on October 27, 2016 by Jenny Cromack

If you want to improve your health, live longer, get stronger and keep your brain ticking over then ensuring you have the right amount of Vitamin D is the answer.  The dark mornings and nights are certainly here which means less sunlight, so how do we get Vitamin D and why is Vitamin D important?

Vitamin D is synthesised in the body in response to sun exposure. It’s also taken from the diet and through supplementation. A lot of research shows that many individuals are chronically deficient in Vitamin D because they don’t get regular full body exposure to the sun. Although you can get Vitamin D from your diet it’s difficult to get adequate amounts regardless of how much fish such as salmon. mackerel and tuna you eat. Supplementing with Vitamin D tablets such as cod liver oil is a great way of getting Vitamin D

There are a number of benefits of supplementing Vitamin D such as

BONE HEALTH

Low levels of Vitamin D contribute to osteoporosis and bone fractures. Low calcium intake and poor Vitamin D levels are key determinants of osteoporosis and fracture risk. Supplementing Vitamin D and calcium is an essential component in maintaining bone health. These minerals can improve bone mineralisation and prevent falls.

MUSCLE STRENGTH

Skeletal muscle certainly loves Vitamin D and deficiencies lead to muscle weakness and abnormalities in muscle contraction and relaxation resulting in weak muscle force production.

LEAN BODY MUSCLE

Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of muscle, lean body mass and avoiding the development of fat in muscles. Deficiency in Vitamin D can cause both muscle weakness and increase muscle fat.

PSORIASIS & SKIN DISORDERS

Psoriasis and other skin complaints can be improved by higher levels of Vitamin D as it lessens inflammation. Exposing yourself to a little more sun light or supplementing on Vitamin D can dramatically improve your skin.

INSULIN RESISTANCE & BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION

Supplementing vitamin D has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin resistance which may help blood sugar regulation – essential if you are looking to lose or maintain your body fat or weight.