The Vitamin D Blues
The fall is a favorite time of year for many people. Living in Wisconsin and working in Minnesota, the drive every morning and night brings spectacular views of the ever-changing fall colors. With the cool nights and warm days, it is the perfect time of year to still get outside and enjoy the sunshine! But fall in Minnesota and Wisconsin also brings the ever decreasing intensity of the sun's rays and thus, our bodies are unable to produce the amount of vitamin D to keep us happy and healthy.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. This is different than water soluble vitamins like B and C. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are absorbed, transported in the blood, and can be stored in the liver and fatty tissues for use as needed. Water-soluble vitamins are easily dissolved in the body. The kidneys remove excess amounts of these vitamins so they can be excreted in the urine.
Vitamin D is found in very few foods. It has been added to such things and milk and fortified cereals. But our main source of vitamin D comes from the sun and our body's ability to absorb specifically UVB. From November to March in Minnesota, the sun's rays are not strong enough due to the angle the rays are hitting the Earth to allow us to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D. During the summer months we need to be outside for 30 minutes daily between 10 am to 2 pm in order to get the vitamin D from the sun that we need.
Because of the lack of sun from November to March and the tremendous amount of sunscreen we wear in the summer months, many Minnesotans are finding themselves with a vitamin D deficiency. There have been studies showing as many as 60% of people tested having deficient vitamin D levels. This study can be found found here. But how do you know if you have low levels?
The best way to know is to get your blood tested. You can even order a test kit at home! The Vitamin D Council has test kits that you can purchase online. According to stats found on WebMd, "a level of 20 nanograms/milliliter to 50 ng/mL is considered adequate for healthy people. A level less than 12 ng/mL indicates vitamin D deficiency."
Should you get tested? People who are deficient in vitamin D may experience feeling blue, having joint pain, and/or gastrointestinal issues. If you are over 50, overweight, or have darker skin, you are even more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency.
If you have concerns about your vitamin D levels, come in and talk to Dr. Laura Draxler, DC. She can help you get your blood tested, and recommend treatments! Don't wait until the winter months to see if your health can improve today!
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