a). Vitamin D and the Immune System
A healthy immune system is important all year round. If you’re looking for ways to support your immune system, establishing healthy lifestyle habits is a good place to start. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate rest can all help support your immune health. Surprisingly, vitamin D might play a role as well. Some research shows that vitamin D may have beneficial effects on immune function. Aim to include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet and get some sun exposure (while minding sun safety) to help support a healthy immune system.
b). Vitamin D for Bone Health
To maintain bone health, vitamin D is essential. Vitamin D increases your body’s absorption of calcium, which in turn helps you build strong, healthy bones. Like other vitamins and nutrients, vitamin D is beneficial during the body’s developmental years, but it’s important to remember that vitamin D can help benefit bone health for older adults as well. In fact, studies show that getting enough vitamin D in your diet helps slow down bone mineral loss, which can protect against osteoporosis and reduce bone fractures. If you’re concerned about your bone health, consider talking to your doctor to see if a vitamin D supplement might be a good option for you.
c). Vitamin D for Healthy Teeth
Here is some news that might bring a smile to your face: Vitamin D may be good for your teeth too. As you read above, vitamin D helps with calcium absorption. Just like your bones, your teeth are composed of calcium. Research shows that vitamin D’s positive effect on calcium absorption may help strengthen teeth too. In fact, in one controlled study, supplementing with vitamin D helped reduce cavities in children by 47%. For a healthy smile, you don’t need to go overboard on your vitamin D intake. Just aim to get the recommended amount of vitamin D each day through foods, sunlight, or a multivitamin with vitamin D—and this will help you in the right direction.
d). Vitamin D for Cognitive Function
Not only is vitamin D good for your bones—it’s good for your mind, too! Essential for brain growth and development, vitamin D plays a critical role in neurodevelopment in the early years. In addition, vitamin D may also help us as we age. Recently, some studies confirmed an association between cognitive impairment, dementia, and vitamin D deficiency. Since vitamin D is good for both your mind and body, making sure your body gets enough vitamin D from sunshine, diet, or a supplement is important.
e). Vitamin D and Happiness
Are you in a better mood when the sun is shining? Vitamin D might be the reason why. Some studies suggest that inadequate vitamin D levels may put you at increased risk for depression. Since our bodies create vitamin D when we go outdoors, lack of sunshine can inhibit us from producing sufficient levels of vitamin D. To enhance your mood and keep your vitamin D levels up, aim to get a few minutes of sunshine each day. Consider going for a walk or taking a bike ride during your time outdoors, as a little exercise can help elevate your mood as well!
