Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is a concern for many, as this essential nutrient plays a crucial role in bone formation and developing a healthy immune system. Without enough Vitamin D daily, you are at risk of developing infections and autoimmune diseases.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consuming 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. A few factors must be considered in order to obtain adequate Vitamin D.

“People who do not get enough sunlight are more vulnerable,” says Dr. Hannan Alsahlani of Southfield Pediatrics.

The sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, triggering a reaction in your body that produces the vitamin.

Sunlight is not as easily absorbed by darker skin, and according to kidshealth.org, “researchers discovered that 14 percent of the teens studied were deficient in vitamin D, with black teens 20 times more likely to be deficient than white teens.”

If you have darker skin, you should be aware that sun exposure will not have the same effect on you as it does on people with lighter pigments.

Sun exposure is limited in Michigan, especially during the winter months, so you must supplement your vitamin intake in other ways.

No, this does not imply using tanning beds, which can cause various problems, including cancer.

“They must ensure that they are getting adequate vitamin D supplements,” Dr. Alsahlani says.

Over-the-counter supplements are available at any drugstore or vitamin store.

According to Dr. Alsahlani, supplements are also important for breastfed infants. This ensures that the baby gets enough Vitamin D each day.

Try incorporating some vitamin-rich foods into your diet. Eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk, and other dairy products are examples, as are fatty fish and fish oils, such as salmon and mackerel.

Maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D, especially during cold and flu season, to keep your immune system strong.

Meaningful articles you might like: 5 Essential and Healthy Family Lifestyle Habits, Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children, 7 Scientifically Proven Advantages of Eating as a Family