Vitamin D, AKA the “SUNSHINE VITAMIN”. It’s a critical nutrient that our bodies need for various functions1. From supporting bone health to boosting our immune system, the benefits of Vitamin D are numerous and significant2. Together, we will delve into the role of this mighty vitamin and its role in promoting longevity, how to get it, how much to take and what brands are best.
Hold on a minute, just exactly how important is Vitamin D to Longevity?
Vitamin D is as a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in fats and oils rather than water. Excess is stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver. This characteristic differentiates it from water-soluble vitamins (like vitamin C and the B vitamins), which dissolve in water and are excreted more easily in urine.
Since it can build up in your body it is important to consult with a health practitioner on how much to take as a supplement. If you’re looking to add more to your diet consider eating more fatty fish, fortified milk, and fortified cereal1.
The primary function of Vitamin D is to aid the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, contributing to the metabolism of these minerals and their importance in bones, teeth, hair, and tissues3. This nutrient is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones1. That’s because our bodies can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when Vitamin D is present1.
More and more research is starting to come to light on the importance on vitamin d. As important as it may be for your bones, it also has a role in supporting your immune system. It is a immune modulator and believed to help fend off viruses as well as improve your immune system.
Meaning this is an extremely versatile little vitamin.
Vitamin D and Longevity
Apart from what it does to modulate your immune system and your skeletal health, recent studies have shed light on the potential role of Vitamin D in extending human lifespan45. The research suggests that maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels may contribute to longevity45.
One of the ways Vitamin D promotes longevity is by reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), heart diseases, and certain types of cancer2. It has been found to regulate mood and help reduce depression symptoms2.
I personally use 2500iu daily. We will get into recommended dosages later in this article, but here is the brand that I trust and use.
Vitamin D Deficiency: But I get enough from the sun!
Despite the importance of Vitamin D, deficiency of this nutrient is a common global health issue789. Studies suggest that roughly one billion people worldwide are Vitamin D deficient7. In the US alone, 42% of adults are deficient78. Uhm, wow?
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to several health problems, including osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children10. Low blood levels of this vitamin have also been linked to an increased risk for various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes1.
No thank you!!
The Need for Vitamin D Supplementation
Given the widespread prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and the vital role this nutrient plays in our health, supplementation may be necessary for many individuals1211.
Supplementation can be particularly beneficial for those who don’t get enough sunlight, have a disorder that reduces the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D, or don’t consume enough of it in their diet10. Moreover, older adults, who often don’t get regular exposure to sunlight and have trouble absorbing Vitamin D, may also benefit from supplementation1.
Remember this is on top of a healthy diet, fatty foods, fortified dairy products are also great sources.
Choosing a Good Vitamin D Supplement
When choosing a Vitamin D supplement, it’s important to consider the dosage and the quality of the supplement. The recommended daily amount of Vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months. 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years1.
Mind you, these are the lower acceptable limits advised. It is important to consult a heath professional to see how much you should take. I personally take 2500iu daily. You can see my recommendations for Vitamin D supplements here. As well as the one I personally use here.
You also want to consider supplementing during the months where you are exposed to very little sun.
Other Benefits of Vitamin D
In addition to promoting longevity, Vitamin D has several other health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties that support immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity1. Research also suggests that Vitamin D may support weight loss2.
Vitamin D is a powerful nutrient that holds the key to numerous health benefits, including the potential to promote longevity. While our bodies can produce Vitamin D naturally, many people may need to supplement this nutrient due to various factors. As we continue to uncover the many benefits of Vitamin D, one thing is clear: this sunshine vitamin is a vital component of our journey towards a healthier and longer life.
Please note that while Vitamin D supplementation can be beneficial, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen11. The research with Vitamin d and longevity is relatively new. But still exciting 🙂
Learn more here:
1mayoclinic.org 2 healthline.com 3microsoftstart.msn.com 4sciencealert.com 5prohealth.com 6sciencedaily.com 7healthmatch.io 8healthline.com 9drruscio.com 10webmd.com 11health.clevelandclinic.org 12bing.com 13lifeextension.com 14yalemedicine.org 15bing.com 16health.com 17nhs.uk 18healthline.com 19nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu 20microsoftstart.msn.com