Vitamin D plays an important role in overall health, so getting a sufficient amount is crucial. Unfortunately, between 40 and 80% of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency.
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Bones and Skeletal System
Vitamin D is critical for healthy bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, osteopenia and osteoporosis, which are all conditions that weaken the bones.
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Mood Disorders and Cognitive Function
Certain mood disorders, depression, anxiety and insomnia have all been linked to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D affects cognitive function as well: study participants with insufficient vitamin D performed lower on standardized tests, exhibited poor decision-making skills and had difficulty with tasks requiring focus and attention. Research has also correlated low levels of vitamin D with schizophrenia.
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Disease
Vitamin D helps control inflammation in the body, so insufficient vitamin D is associated with certain autoimmune conditions, such as MS, rheumatoid arthritis and many digestive issues, including IBS.
Since vitamin D helps regulate blood sugar and insulin secretion, a vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Influencing cell replication and tumor growth is an important part of vitamin D’s job.
Because vitamin D contributes to the ability of cells to die when they should, a deficiency in vitamin D has been linked with certain cancers-particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer.
Getting adequate vitamin D is important to your overall health. If you have questions about vitamin D supplements, be sure to ask next time we see you!