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| Vitamin D Insufficiency and Deficiency Causes and Health Risks 20 Ways The Sun Benefits Our Health Infographic from SolarCenre |
According to a ScientificAmerican.com article, findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggest a dramatic increase in the amount of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. As many as three-quarters of U.S. teens and adults may be insufficient in vitamin D.*
Some leading health experts estimate that as much as 90% of the population is effected by insufficient amounts of vitamin D.
Vitamin D's Role in the Body
Vitamin D is thought to play an important role in many human body functions and systems including the vascular system, heart health, skin health, bone health, digestive health, respiratory health, immune health, reproductive health, and weight management (including carbohydrate and fat metabolism).
Vitamin D Insufficiency and Deficiency
Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency has been linked to increased risk for certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autism, asthma, multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), depression, cognitive decline, and chronic pain.
Insufficiency and Deficiency Causes
Inadequate exposure to sunlight and the use of sunscreens is thought to be a major reason for Vitamin D insufficiency. Nowadays, people spend too much time indoors and when they do spend time outdoors many are wearing sunscreens.
Other causes include malabsorption and accelerated catabolism from certain medications.
Health Benefits of Safe Sunlight Exposure
As this infographic entitled "20 Ways the Sun Benefits Our Health" illustrates, there are many health benefits of safe exposure to sunlight:
☀ Mental Health
☀ Reduces Risk for Cancer
☀ Boosts Immune System
☀ Strengthens Bones
☀ Heals Skin Conditions
☀ Improves Eye Sight
☀ Improves Brain Functions
☀ Lowers Cholesterol
☀ Stimulates Growth in Children
☀ Lowers Blood Pressure
☀ Improves Sleep Quality
☀ Strengthens Teeth
☀ Prevents Multiple Sclerosis
☀ Increases Oxygen Content in Human Blood
☀ Aids Weight Loss
☀ Improves Cases of Atherosclerosis
☀ Decreases Symptoms of Asthma
☀ Relieves Body Aches
☀ Promotes Eye Health
☀ Boosts Fertility
Other Benefits of Vitamin D
The latest research indicates that adequate levels of Vitamin D that are also important in autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal infections, inflammation and leaky gut, and kidney disease.
RDA for Vitamin D
Many leading functional health and nutrition experts propose that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D is too low for many individuals. A simple blood test will reveal your Vitamin D status. From there, you can do your own research or work with a qualified health professional in terms of nutrition and supplementation based on your unique physiology and circumstances.
Infographic Source
This infographic is brought to us by Solar Centre. The full size version can be found at SolarCentre.com - 20 Ways The Sun Benefits Our Health.
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*For more information regarding the examination and investigation of the data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), please go to JAMA Internal Medicine.
