Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, mood, immune system, cardiovascular health, and more. Many people who live in colder climates such as Northwest Indiana experience vitamin D deficiency. In these colder climates vitamin D production through the skin virtually ceases. We tend to spend less time out in the sun because of the cold temperatures, on top of the fact there is less sunlight to begin with.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 30. As discussed above low vitamin D levels increase the risk of fracture, negatively impact mood, lower your immune system, and increase risk for cardiovascular disease.

Causes of vitamin D deficiency

• Decreased intake or absorption

• Reduced sun exposure

• Aging

• Living in a northern climate

• History of gastric bypass surgery

• Liver disease

• Kidney failure

• Antiseizure medications

Vitamin D replacement

There are many ways to increase vitamin D if you are deficient. Before replacement through vitamin D injections it is required to obtain a lab value to know your vitamin D level and help determine the dose going forward. Some treatment options for increasing vitamin D include:

• Vitamin D injection* lab values required

• Vitamin D oral supplements-vitamin D3 is preferred over vitamin D2

• Sun exposure-15-30 minutes a day

• Vitamin D rich food sources-fatty fish such as salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, milk, yogurt, some orange juices

There are many ways to make sure your vitamin D is at optimal levels. Make sure to have a discussion with your provider. If you do not have a provider, we would love to take care of you!

How to Schedule an Appointment with Dan

To make an appointment with Dan head over to our scheduling link. After you submit the information, Dan will reach out and offer appointment times.

Thank you for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day,

-Dan with Maple Leaf Health and Wellness