Does your body have enough vitamin D?

Our skin makes vitamin D from exposure to the ultraviolet rays in the sun. However, people living in temperate countries or in higher latitudes may get less UV exposure. Other complication arises like the fear of skin cancer which prompts many people to apply sun block which block the ability of the skin to make vitamin D. Another reason may be due to our busy working career. We are stuck in the office from morning to night leaving us with precious little time to be exposed to the sun. Lastly, some people for some reason may dislike going out in the sun. That's why the diet rich in vitamin D is essential. Food that contains vitamin D include fish, eggs, milk and cereal. The problem is that our diet do not contain enough vitamin D and additional supplementation is required. It may shock you to learn that many women having osteoporosis or at risk to osteoporosis may be due to the deficiency in vitamin D. It is common knowledge that calcium is required for the building of strong bones and teeth. If calcium intake is insufficient, the body will take calcium from other parts of the body. Vitamin D plays the role in helping calcium get absorbed into the body. Other illness linked to the deficiency of vitamin d include breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, pancreas cancer , skin cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and diabetes If you feel depressed or down during the winter , it also could be due to a lack of vitamin D Older people ( above the age of 50 ) are more likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Their kidneys and skin are not performing as well as before in their role of producing vitamin D and therefore the old will need to take vitamin d supplements.