Vitamin D

​Day 4 on my holistic advent calendar is VITAMIN D.
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth, but also helps to protect us against a range of illnesses and conditions, including type 1 diabetes.
Usually vitamins are nutrients which the body is not able to make for itself, however the body can produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D helps strengthen bones and teeth because it regulates calcium levels in the blood. Vitamin D allows the intestines to absorb calcium which would otherwise be excreted by the kidneys. A deficiency in vitamin D can contribute to osteoporosis.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include: fatigue, bone and back pain, low mood, difficulty healing wounds, regular infections, hair loss and muscle pain. Long term deficiency may lead to cardiovascular, autoimmune, neurological, and pregnancy problems.
So, how can we boost our vitamin D intake? Usually sufficient sunlight is enough but during winter months this may need extra support. Foods such as oily fish, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, and fortified cereals can help.