Trumm Drug

Are you getting enough Vitamin D?

It is well known that Vitamin D is essential for strong and healthy bones. Scientists and medical experts are currently discovering a wider variety of benefits from the vitamin most commonly supplied by sunshine. Experts hypothesize that Vitamin D may help ward off many illnesses including certain types of cancer, hip fractures, upper respiratory tract infections, diabetes and heart disease.

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common due to current recommendations related to decreasing sun exposure to maintain healthy skin. Although some foods, including sardines, tuna and salmon in oil are sources of Vitamin D, the most powerful source is the sun. Most doctors recommend getting 10-15 minutes of sun exposure three times a week for adequate Vitamin D production while limiting the harmful effects of too much sun. The section of our population most at risk for Vitamin D deficiency includes older adults and the elderly. As we age, our skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D naturally from sunlight declines. Aging kidneys also lack the ability to convert Vitamin D into its active form.

If you are not getting enough Vitamin D from sunlight or have reason to believe you may be deficient, consider discussing Vitamin D supplementation with your doctor or pharmacist.

By, Ashley Gray, PharmD 4 Student

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