Vitamin D supplement

Vitamin D plays a vital role in assisting the body to absorb calcium both from diet and supplements.  And without calcium, the body would struggle to develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

Our main source of vitamin D is actually produced by the body itself.  When UV radiation in sunlight hits our skin, it reacts with a cholesterol-like substance, thus creating vitamin D. Anecdotally, very small amounts of the nutrient can be found in some food and drinks, but it is rarely enough to provide the levels that the body needs.  Some people get plenty of vitamin D through exposure to the sun from regular outdoor activities.
Many experts say that although sun exposure is important so that the body can produce vitamin D, it is always essential to cover up the body when staying outside for long periods of time to avoid the development of dangerous skin cancers. Unfortunately, many people have very minimal sun exposure, which will often result in low vitamin D levels and a need for vitamin D supplements. The best vitamin D supplements in Australia are ones derived from natural sources.
A lack of vitamin D and calcium can often increase the risk of developing a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
• Rickets in children – soft, weakened and deformed bones, often coupled with poor or slowed muscle development
• Neonatal hypocalcaemia – insufficient calcium in the blood of babies who have not had enough vitamin D while in the womb
• Osteoporosis – a condition commonly found in adults, especially women after menopause, which develops symptoms of weak, fragile bones
People at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency are:
• Babies born to women with a vitamin D deficiency
• Children and adults with minimal sun exposure
• People who cover the majority of their skin for religious or cultural reasons
• People who are confined to the indoors - like the ill or elderly
• People with naturally very dark skin
• Shift workers
Experts have supposed that eight out of ten people in the abovementioned categories would suffer from low vitamin D levels.  In most cases, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional to see if it is necessary to take vitamin D supplements. A simple blood test can assess your levels.

As previously mentioned, there are some foods and drinks that vitamin D can be found in.  Although these levels are not likely to be enough to maintain the body’s vitamin D requirements, these foods and drinks also contain calcium which is essential in maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Some of the foods that contain both vitamin D and calcium are:
• Milk with added vitamin D
• Soy milk and other drinks with added vitamin D
• Margarine
• Eggs
• Liver
• Fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel.
If you feel that you could be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional.  They will be able to assess the problem properly and ensure that your vitamin D levels are maintained.
For more information on the natural form of Vitamin D featured in Space Vitamin products click here.