Vitamin D is vital for maintaining bone health, teeth, boosting immunity and protecting against different diseases and health conditions.
A person consumes vitamins through their diet because the human body cannot create nutrients. Thus, the body needs calcium vitamin d absorption simultaneously as vitamin d helps to absorb calcium.
So, let’s explore the facts and debunk some of the common myths about vitamin D
Myth no. 1: Vitamin D: the more, the better
It’s a true statement that too much of anything is a bad thing, even if that too good thing is supposedly better for your health.
While it’s rare that you might get too much vitamin D, it’s not that uncertain. For instance, the common possibility of overdosing on the dose of vitamins is taking too many supplements than your body actually requires.
The bodily need for supplements varies with different age groups. And people are consuming this higher than recommended. Too much vitamin D in the body causes a build-up of calcium, increasing the body’s toxicity level. Vitamin D toxicity can lead to nausea, vomiting, weakness, body pain, and a weak bladder.
Myth no. 2: Calcium and Vitamin D are Same
One of the most common misconceptions among people is that calcium and Vitamin D are the same. But, is calcium Vitamin D? Well, Vitamin D and calcium are two different essential nutrients for healthy bones. The right amount of calcium and Vitamin D is crucial to the functioning of the body. The body gets Vitamin D when it is exposed to sun; however, several factors, like naturally dark skin, aging, sunscreen, etc. limit its creation. Vitamin D2 and D3 are found naturally in very few foods; thus, doctors recommend taking supplements. On the other hand, calcium is found in dairy products, fortified fruit juices, broccoli, etc.
Myth no. 3: Sun exposure is good
It’s commonly known that the sun’s ultraviolet B light helps you to absorb vitamin D. Basically, these rays turn a chemical called vitamin D3 into your skin. Further, this vitamin D3 is transferred from your liver to the kidney, where it becomes an active force of vitamin D.
Generally, people think that they are getting sufficient vitamin D through sun exposure. But most often, we don’t get that much sun as we are more involved in indoor activities, or city areas have such large buildings that there is often blockage of light, or even more common reasons are we wear sunscreen daily, or our clothes cover much of our bodies.
But there is a possibility of skin cancer or skin problems like wrinkles and freckles due to sun exposure.
Myth no. 4: Food alone is sufficient
You can get vitamin D through food sources rich in vitamin D like fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, and fortified milk, juices or cereals, etc. But what’s more important is that these foods provide only minor sources of vitamins and are calcium high and vitamin d low.
In context, including vitamin D foods in your diet is just one step in the whole quest to have a healthy body. These will definitely provide you with nutrients but in small quantities. That’s why it’s suggested to gain good results by incorporating sunshine and some supplements in your life.
Myth no. 5: Supplements are needless
Even though your body naturally produces vitamin D, or you might get it from the sun, it’s not enough for some people.
Dietary supplements are beneficial for certain peoples as it helps them by improving or managing health conditions. For instance: vegans need more supplements because their diet is not that notorious, or pregnant women take supplements to maintain their and baby’s health.
But there are a variety of best supplements for calcium and vitamin d options available. It would be beneficial if you take the ones that fulfil the need of given nutrients in your body.
Myth no. 6: Vitamin D level testing is necessary
In general, to know your proper levels of vitamin D, you need to get tested, but it’s not necessary to get the one unless, of course, you have serious health conditions or a doctor recommends you.
For maintaining good health, it’s necessary to have vitamin D levels at an adequate range, but at the same time, it’s not required to follow the trend and get your testing done. That is just a widespread screening. So, consider consulting a doctor before you start supplementing and do what is advisable.
Some true facts about vitamin D
While there are various myths about vitamin D that are somewhat questionable, there are also some facts about vitamin D that you cannot neglect, like:
It bolsters your immunity.
It maintains the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
It benefits oral health.
It helps in curing depression, anxiety, and mood issues.
It supports healthy pregnancy by reducing related obesity and complications.
By reading the above article now, I hope you can differentiate the myths and the facts about Vitamin D.
