IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS WE LACK #2: VITAMIN D

Studies suggest adequate levels of vitamin D are important not only in maintaining healthy bones but also in reducing the risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypothyroid, and autoimmune diseases.  Vitamin D is actually a hormone that the body produces when exposed to the sun.  Persons who are older, obese, and/or have darker skin have less capacity to make vitamin D.  Also, those living in colder climates such as New York have reduced exposure to the sunlight.   And too much sun exposure can also be risky as it increases skin cancer rates.  An estimated 40%-75% of Americans have insufficient vitamin D levels.   

Low vitamin D levels are linked to a number of risk factors for cardiovascular. It is believed Vitamin D reduces blood vessel inflammation and therefore is an important ingredient in the prevention of heart disease.  A recent review of 75 research studies on Vitamin D and heart disease concluded there is evidence low vitamin D levels are associated with unhealthy blood pressure, insulin resistance, and coronary artery disease. 

What to do:  Next time you get blood work, request that your doctor check your vitamin D level.  This way you can know if you are deficient or not and how much to supplement with.  Food sources of vitamin D include fortified products such as milk, fish with bones such as sardines, and fish liver oils.  If supplementing, be sure to choose vitamin D3 , not vitamin D2 which is less well used by the body.