Tips to help prevent vitamin D deficiency
A lack of vitamin D can affect bone and immune health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to redress the balance.
We might enjoy great weather in Australia (we’re not nicknamed “the sunburnt country” for nothing) – but many of us are deficient in the so-called “sunshine” vitamin.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and helps to increase the absorption of calcium. It also supports a healthy immune system.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which makes sun exposure the best way to boost levels.
Who’s most at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Spending a lot of time indoors can leave you at risk of vitamin D deficiency, as can taking certain medications. Others at increased risk include those who are naturally dark-skinned, pregnant, breastfeeding or postmenopausal.
While small amounts of vitamin D are available in some foods, particularly dairy products, eggs and fatty fish, the fact that exposure to sunlight is our main source of vitamin D means levels may fluctuate depending on the season.
How do I know if I have vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is generally more prevalent in the winter months and early spring when you’re likely to spend less time outdoors.
Most people only experience mild symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, so the problem is often missed. However, it can be detected with a simple blood test.
Effective ways to increase your vitamin D levels
Here are some quick and easy ways you can keep up your vitamin D levels and support your bone health:
- Spend time in the sunlight
Did you know your skin hosts a type of cholesterol that functions as a precursor to vitamin D?
When this compound is exposed to UVB radiation from the sun, voila, it becomes vitamin D. However, that doesn’t mean ignoring sun safety when the UV reading is high.
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D work together to support your bones – calcium to help build and maintain them and vitamin D to help your body effectively absorb calcium.
Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, are high in calcium.
Vitamin D2 can be found in mushrooms, while vitamin D3 is mainly derived from animal sources, such as liver, oily fish and egg yolks.
While you’re at it, weight-bearing and resistance exercises are also great for bone health, so add a few of those to your fitness routine.
- Take Swisse Ultiboost Fast Acting Vitamin D3
Swisse Ultiboost Fast Acting Vitamin D3 is a premium formula containing calcifediol – a form of vitamin D that is three times more potent than regular vitamin D (colecalciferol) and, with daily supplementation, faster at increasing vitamin D levels in the body.
This one-a-day mini uncoated tablet supports bone and immune system health, muscle health and function, and healthy teeth.
* This post is brought to you by Swisse. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
