What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins that your body needs to survive, helping with a host of biological functions. It is synthesized by your skin when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Some of the many ways that Vitamin D benefits you is by helping with calcium absorption, cellular growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation throughout the body. What Does Vitamin D Do? Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fat. It is synthesized naturally by your body from cholesterol if you are exposed to enough direct UV sunlight throughout the day. It can also be found in some foods including fish and eggs. While most people are not deficient in Vitamin D, many people do not have enough Vitamin D in their bodies either. While you may not feel serious negative effects if you are not deficient, you will feel a lot better once you get your Vitamin D levels up to par. The most noteworthy aspect of Vitamin D is it’s positive impact on calcium absorption in the body—promoting the creation and maintenance of healthy, strong, bones. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increase in osteoporosis or osteomalacia in many people, especially people over the age of 50 years old. Studies have shown that increased supplementation with Vitamin D may lead to lower chances of developing a host of medical conditions including: high blood pressure, heart attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and others. It has also been mentioned that Vitamin D may help people with various forms of anxiety or depression, along with the ability to help boost the immune function of individuals who were previously vitamin D deficient. What Are the Health Benefits of Vitamin D? Increases calcium absorption Promotes bone health Improves cardiovascular system Boosts Immune system Decreases risk of harmful medical conditions Improves mood How to take Vitamin D? The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is around 1,000 – 2,000 IU per day. It has been stated that the maximum safe upper limit of daily supplementation can be up to 10,000 IU per day. Vitamin D3 supplementation is preferred over Vitamin D2 supplementation since D3 is more effectively used by the body. Vitamin D should be taken daily, with meals or a source of fat, like fish oil. What Are The Side effects of Vitamin D? Supplementing with Vitamin D is generally considered a very safe practice. By staying with a daily dose around 2,000 IU’s per day, there are virtually no negative side effects and plenty of positive benefits that make supplementation worthwhile.