Vitamin D for Optimum Health

We all love a little bit of sunlight, but sadly we don’t get enough of it. By sunlight, I mean Vitamin D also known as the Sunshine Vitamin. Living in the UAE, we automatically assume that we are sorted as far as our sunshine vitamin goes. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

According to Gulf News, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) officials reported that over 90 percent of the UAE population is Vitamin D-deficient. Vitamin D deficiency leads to loss of bone density with prolonged deficiencies leading to weakness, fatigue, pain, and even depression. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to premature deliveries and a high risk of preeclampsia along with giving birth to children with the risk of behavior development disorders and even diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is required in many essential body functions. There are two forms of Vitamin D we take orally, and they are Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 raises Vitamin D levels in the blood by two folds hence making it the more potent Vitamin D. Vitamin D can be made in the body naturally by our skin and the UV rays from the Sun. Almost all essential body functions are affected by Vitamin D levels, and it is important to maintain bone health, immune health, and mental health.

Some of the notable benefits of Vitamin D include:

• Vitamin D contributes to bone health
• Vitamin D helps manage blood sugar levels
• Vitamin D enhances the immune system
• Vitamin D may improve heart health
• Vitamin D may facilitate hormone regulation
• Vitamin D may help with concentration learning and memory
• Vitamin D, specifically Vitamin D3, protects against cancer

Where can I find Vitamin D?

Well, here comes the challenge: getting the optimum quantity of Vitamin D from our daily diet is not entirely possible. For starters, it’s a fat-soluble vitamin, and to absorb it we need to eat foods with healthy fats like chicken, butter, and avocado. Other notable foods that provide Vitamin D include:

• Fatty fishes like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines
• Fortified lactose-free beverages and juices
• Fortified milk and milk products
• Fish Oil and Krill Oil
• Egg yolk
• Red meat

NHANES data found that the median intake of vitamin D from food and supplements in women ages 51 to 71 years was 308 IU daily, but only 140 IU of the 308 UI represented Vitamin D from food alone (including fortified products).

To view the detailed Recommended Dietary Allowances for ages groups and gender you can refer to the table in our ‘Nutritional Resources' Section.

Vitamin D Supplements

At FITAMINAT, we have a range of Vitamin D products to suit individual needs - whether it’s for children, adults, men or women, chewable tablets, or gummies.

Bioglan

Originating in Australia, Bioglan was established over 25 years ago. Bioglan is a provider of quality Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Superfoods. Bioglan is popularly known for its unique formulations and first-to-market innovations.

The Bioglan Vitamin D Gummies is designed to provide 1000 IU of Vitamin D in the most delicious format, which is orange flavored gummies. 

Vitabalans

Vitabalans is a Finnish family-owned business and they develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines, OTC as well as Food Supplements.

The Vitabalans D-Max Vitamin D3 4000 IU Chewable Tablets are delicious  Strawberry-Raspberry Flavour. It aids in muscle growth and enhances bone health. It is Lactose-Free, Sugar-Free, and Gluten-Free.

Working Together towards Better Health Outcomes

In conclusion, Vitamin D may benefit in several conditions and forms an integral part of vital processes that are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While it’s called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, many people are deprived of this vital vitamin as the sun alone can not suffice the bodily requirements of it. The bioavailability of Vitamin D in food is also not as much as is required for optimum health, hence supplementation is key. It’s the key to a healthy lifestyle by meeting the perfect balance of all the nutrients including the very vital Vitamin D.

The good thing here is Vitamin D deficiency is an easy quick fix. However, being careless about it can lead to its deprivation in the body which will result in a lot of complications. I always recommend meeting a physician before starting to consume any supplements, so let’s be smart about our Vitamin D’s. It’s important to keep a watch on your levels and be cautious of any signs of deficiency. So stack those D’s up!