Is Vitamin D deficiency causing your health problem?

You might be surprised to find out that vitamin D deficiency is causing your health problem. Vitamin D has several health benefits ranging beyond just healthy bones; from regulating your immune system, healthy heart and muscle function, cancer fighting effects, and improving brain function just to name a few. There are receptor sites on every cell in the body that are related to vitamin D, yet we still don’t fully understand the complete role vitamin D plays in all of the different body systems.

How do I get it?

Vitamin D can be made naturally through cells in your skin when they are exposed to sunlight. You can also acquire small amounts of vitamin D through the food you eat such as beef liver, salmon, and tuna. The other option for boosting vitamin D levels is taking a supplement in a gel capsule or liquid form.

How much do I need?

Optimal vitamin D levels range slightly depending on which resource you refer to. Most of the research supports the ideal range of being between 40-80 ng/ml. Ranges from 0-30 ng/ml is deficient, 31-39 ng/ml is insufficient, 40-80 ng/ml is sufficient, and greater than 150 ng/ml is considered toxic. The best target is to be between 50-60 nm/ml, according to the Vitamin D Council, adults who are deficient in vitamin D should supplement with 5,000 international units (IU) each day to raise there levels and maintain a healthy level.

How do I test for Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D can be tested at home or in a clinic using a simple blood test. Dr. Sheppard provides vitamin D testing kits which can be purchased at the clinic for a reasonable fee. To learn more about if vitamin D deficiency is causing your health problem and how to improve your health call (541) 213-2190 today or click here to request an appointment.