Vitamin D

One of the most important nutrients that many people may be lacking is Vitamin D. Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium so you can build strong bones. Studies have shown that other benefits might include cancer-fighting properties, preventing Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, fighting infections and potentially extending our life span.

The current recommendations for Vitamin D intake are about 1000 IU per day. This is equivalent to 10 cups of milk. Other sources of Vitamin D are salmon and sardines and of course sunshine. Although more research is needed to determine the ideal amount of vitamin D, the current recommendation is that you get 1000 IU of vitamin D from your diet or an inexpensive supplement plus get 10-15 minutes of sunshine per day. Due to our climate, many people do not get enough vitamin D during the fall and winter months so a Vitamin D supplement during these months would be recommended.

A study in 2007 found that postmenopausal women who took 1000 IU of Vitamin D plus Calcium had their cancer risk reduced by a half versus those who took the placebo or calcium alone. Other studies have shown similar benefits.

Vitamin D is free in the summer! Light skinned individuals who spend about 15 minutes in the sunshine can get several thousand IU (3,000-10,000 IU) of Vitamin D while darker skinned individuals would need more like an hour of exposure to get the same amount of Vitamin D.

So what do we recommend?
1) Get at least 1000 IU of Vitamin D from your diet (milk, sardines, salmon, etc) or take a supplement.
2) Get at least 10-15 minutes of sunshine exposure per day
3) If you cannot get enough sunshine exposure then take an additional 1000 IU supplement

Please check with one of our chiropractors or your family doctor before taking supplements.