Vitamin D is a unique “vitamin” in the sense that it's actually not a vitamin at all. Vitamins are technically nutrients that cannot be created by the body, but vitamin D can be synthesized within the body when we are exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is really a prohormone (a physiologically inactive precursor of a hormone). While it is always best to meet your recommended intake levels of vitamin D naturally, that's not always a realistic option.
The recommended dosage of vitamin D varies based on your age. Typically measured in International Units (IU), here are the recommended daily dosages of vitamin D by age group according to the Office of Dietary Supplements:
Infants 0-12 months - 400 IU of vitamin D
Children 1-18 years - 600 IU of vitamin D
Adults 19-70 years - 600 IU of vitamin D
Adults over 70 years - 800 IU of vitamin D
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
Believe it or not, vitamin D plays several key roles in the support of a variety of different systems within your body. If you have insufficient levels of vitamin D, your health could suffer in multiple ways. So it is critical that you aim to meet your daily recommended intake of this vitamin.
The Benefits Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D may be most well-known for its ability to promote strong bones, but it does so much more than that. Here’s just a taste of the benefits this vitamin can offer you.
Strong Bones And Teeth
Vitamin D plays a key role in the regulation of calcium within the body, which we all know is an important micronutrient for healthy bones. Vitamin D essentially helps your body absorb calcium. A deficiency in vitamin D can prevent your child's bones from forming correctly and it may also cause adults to suffer from osteoporosis.
Immune System Support
Vitamin D has also been shown in numerous studies to support the immune system and help prevent illnesses such as the flu. For instance, one global collaborative study confirmed that vitamin D supplementation can help protect against acute respiratory infections (Harvard Gazette). This unique vitamin has also been recognized for its properties that may help reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis and heart disease.
Insulin Regulation
Vitamin D additionally plays an essential role in the regulation of insulin. Research has shown that people with type II diabetes may suffer from worse insulin secretion and glucose intolerance due to insufficient vitamin D levels (Biochemical Journal). Additional research has shown that infants who received 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day had an 88% lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Boosts Your Mood
Vitamin D has also been shown to play a vital role in mood regulation and helping relieve symptoms associated with depression. If you feel like you’re consistently experiencing mood swings, then you might be suffering from a vitamin D deficiency.
So, I Should Just Go Outside, Right?
We wish it was that simple – going outside and exposing your skin to direct sunlight is a great way to get some healthy doses of vitamin D. While it's easier in the summer than it is in the winter, there are a number of reasons why you might not be getting as much vitamin D as you need, including:
Having a darker skin pigment
Using sunscreen
Being in an area with high pollution
Living in a crowded city where buildings block light
Simply not spending enough time outside
Increase Your Intake Of Vitamin D With A Supplement
If you feel like you’re not getting enough vitamin D into your system on a regular basis, you'll want to supplement that micronutrient with a vitamin D supplement. And there’s nothing on the market that is quite like Garden of Life – Vitamin Code Raw D3 2000 IU.
This terrific supplement packs roughly 2000 IU of vitamin D into each capsule, which is well above your daily recommended dosage. In addition to that incredible vitamin D content, you’ll also receive a wealth of probiotics, antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrient-specific peptides in each serving too. These additional ingredients will provide further support for the health benefits outlined above.
If you’re ready to achieve a healthier lifestyle, order your first batch of Garden of Life’s Vitamin Code Raw D3 2000 IU today!