Health Basics with Diana Bomford of Action Nutrition

With so much advertising hype around antioxidant and the 'wonder” vitamins that support health and 'give energy”, vitamin D gets little press. But it packs a powerful punch when it comes to our health, and the lack of it has serious implications.

Firstly, we need vitamin D to help our bones to absorb calcium. Without sufficient calcium absorption our bones become brittle and vulnerable to fractures (osteoporosis). This is not just a problem for the elderly; young people are at risk from rickets if they have insufficient calcium absorption.

Research has found that lack of vitamin D is linked to depression, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and multiple sclerosis. It plays important roles in modulating cell growth, immune functions, and reducing inflammation.

Low levels of vitamin D also lead to muscle weakness and muscle loss, in particular the fast twitch muscle fibres which are the ones we need for fast movement. As we age this can lead to unsteadiness and falls.

Obtaining enough to satisfy our body's needs can be difficult. There are two methods of attaining vitamin D, either we manufacture it or we consume it. But both have difficulties.

Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sun light (it is the ultraviolet light that triggers the action). Some people have more difficulty obtaining their vitamin D this way such as those with darker skin who need more exposure due to resistance of their skin pigmentation, and those who have a denser fat layer under the skin have a reduced ability to release sun-induced vitamin D. Keeping this in mind, and the risks of skin cancer, this may not always be the best way of obtaining your daily requirement.

We then have to resort to food to provide our needs. Unfortunately few foods in nature contain vitamin D, so fortified foods, of which the best sources are low fat dairy, soy milk and cereals, start becoming an option we need to consider. Whichever method you chose to get your vitamin D, an increase in consumption will result in an increase in health; just remember not to overdo it.

To find out if you are getting your daily requirement, or need ideas on how to safely increase your vitamin D, I am able to help. You can contact me at [email protected]