During the winter months, the sun doesn’t shine for long nor does it shine as bright as during the summer. You may notice that you don’t feel quite right. You may be tired and depressed. This isn’t your mind playing tricks on you but your body telling you that something is wrong.
Many people suffer from low vitamin D. This has become a much more treated disorder recently as I fill a number of prescriptions daily for prescription strength vitamin d while also selling quite a bit over-the-counter. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin (meaning it is stored in fat cells) that can actually be generated by the body through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is also important for proper absorption of calcium into the muscles and bones. Without sufficient amounts of calcium, the bones can become weak and brittle and the muscles can cramp. The heart can also be negatively affected.
Supplementing vitamin D is easy and relatively inexpensive. There are any number of over-the-counter products of varying strengths and also prescription strength capsules. Prior to use of vitamin D, one should have a blood test to determine if there is a deficiency and how much so. To much of the vitamin can be dangerous as it is fat soluble and can build to toxic levels in the body. After the blood test determines the extent of the deficiency, the patient can be treated accordingly. The dosing guidelines are much to extensive to discuss here. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment options. The first option is a once daily vitamin D over-the-counter supplement. These come in a variety of strengths. The other option would be prescription strength 50,000 unit capsules. These are usually dosed once weekly for one month but can be used more often at the beginning of treatment if the vitamin level is extremely low. Again, blood tests should be completed first before any regimen of vitamin D is started.
Any calcium supplement that is taken should also include vit. D. As stated earlier, this combination is best for healthy bones and muscles. Calcium supplements alone are not sufficient for proper health. Dairy products are high in calcium and most are fortified with vitamin D, however, not everyone can tolerate dairy. Speak to your doctor about the concentration of the vitamin D/calcium supplement necessary for you.
Low vitamin D is a highly treatable condition and one that should not be overlooked. Your body needs sufficient amounts of all the various vitamins and minerals to function at peak levels. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist for information on vitamins and supplements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6885463
By Braden Dernoshek -
I am a registered pharmacist and health and wellness enthusiast. I believe in preventive medicine and supplementation for a healthy life. Please visit http://www.healthyrxsolutions.com for more info.