Vitamin D Myth Vs. Facts- Know All About the Sunshine Vitamin
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Komal Daryani
on May 6, 2023
Last Edit Made By Komal Daryani
on Mar 16, 2024
Too Much or Too Less of Sunshine Vitamin- Vitamin D is Injurious to Health.
Vitamin D is one of the most discussed and essential vitamins for the body after Vitamin C. The primary functions of Vitamin D, as per the National Institutes of Health, include absorption of calcium, bolstering immunity, and strengthening bones.
Keeping all its importance in mind, we should not forget that several misconceptions about Vitamin D are taking over facts. Following the myths over the facts can further impact your health adversely.
Do you know what the myths & facts around Vitamin D are? No??
Unveil the facts and bust the myths with this insightful read.
Know The Facts & Bust The Myths Around Vitamin D:
Busting the myths around vitamin D is vital because misinformation and misunderstandings about this essential nutrient can seriously affect people's health and well-being. Some of the common Myths & Facts about Vitamin D are listed below.
- Myth: It’s Possible to Get Enough Vitamin D from the Sun Alone
Explanation: With the increasing pollution and harmful UV emissions due to ozone layer depletion, prolonged exposure to the sun is not possible. While the body can produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, several factors impact how much vitamin D the body has, including the time of day, season, latitude, and skin color.
Fact: Sunscreen use and staying indoors can further reduce vitamin D production. It is essential to obtain vitamin D from other sources, such as food and supplements, to ensure adequate intake.
- Myth: Vitamin D Supplements Are Not Required If You Eat a Balanced Diet
Explanation: While some foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, contain vitamin D, it can be difficult to obtain enough vitamin D through diet alone. It is also because most of us rely on junk food and not a balanced nutritious diet. Even consuming foods rich in Vitamin D supplements won’t meet the necessary Vitamin D levels.
Fact: For all people with Vitamin D deficiency supplements can be a convenient and effective way to ensure necessary levels of Vitamin D.
- Myth: There is No Vitamin D Deficiency If There Are No Symptoms
Explanation: Even if there are no Vitamin D deficiency symptoms in you, it is necessary that you shall seek preventive full-body checkups. If there are no symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency, and if it is not addressed on time there might be numerous symptoms like severe bone-health issues, and low immunity, and also it can impact overall health. So, don’t wait for the situation where the cure is both time-consuming, expensive, and health-draining. It’s time to say yes to preventive health checkups & prioritize wellness over illness.
Fact: Vitamin D deficiency is often asymptomatic.
- Myth: All Vitamin D Supplements Are The Same
Explanation:No, all the Vitamin D Supplements are not the same. The composition, impact & use of Vitamin D supplements significantly vary from one another. In some supplements Vitamin D2 content is high, in some Vitamin D3 is high, and in others both D2 & D3 composition is equal. Although both types of Vitamins increase the level of Vitamin D in the blood, their significance differs from one another.
Higher Vitamin D3 is recommended when deficiency of Vitamin D is because of low sunlight consumption and higher Vitamin D2 levels are recommended for plant-based Vitamin deficiencies.
Fact: Like all other supplements and food items, the composition of Vitamin D varies from one product to another. Please check the composition of food before consumption, and if required consult the health specialist.
- Myth: People Living In Colder Climates & Areas have Vitamin D Deficiency
Explanation: The Sun is just one source of Vitamin D, so people living in normal temperatures and sunlight all year long might not be at a higher risk of Vitamin D3 deficiency, but there are all the possibilities of Vitamin D2 deficiency, and the body requires both Vitamin D2 and D3
Fact: People in colder temperatures are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency, but it can impact anyone.
- Myth: Vitamin Deficiency only Leads to Bone Disorders.
Explanation: Vitamin D has an essential role in limiting bone-related diseases like osteoporosis and rickets, but it is not only limited to that. It is an essential nutrient for the body and has multiple vital functions.
Fact: Vitamin D has an important role in maintaining bone health, but also essential for muscle strength, immune function, to prevent multiple cancers, and also several other chronic disorders.
- Myth: Everyone Requires the Same Amount of Vitamin D
Explanation: The recommended daily intake of Vitamin D is highly dependent on the country and region of living. It varies between 400-800 IU for adults. However, it does not remain the same for all. Based on your health, the clinicians might recommend different dosages of Vitamin D. For people with a deficiency of Vitamin dosages must be high, and for those with sufficiency, the dosages might be low.
Fact: Vitamin D requirements are based on multiple factors like age, sex, weight & holistic health conditions.
- Myth: Taking Large Doses of Vitamin D is Safe
Explanation: Too much of anything can be harmful, be it emotions or vitamins. So, it is essential to maintain the directed dosages and not consume above the accepted limits. It will not do any good to the body, but there can be visible harmful consequences of the same.
Fact: Vitamin D intake above recommended levels can prove to be toxic.
Hope you had an insightful read and could clear the clouds of confusion around Vitamin D, but before you hop on to other important things, here are some takeaway tips.
Tips to Maintain Vitamin D Levels:
- Spend time in the sun: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight, so spending time outdoors in the sun can help boost your levels. However, be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Eat foods rich in Vitamin D: Some foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), egg yolks, and mushrooms. Some foods, like milk and cereal, are also fortified with vitamin D.
- Pick the right supplement: If you're not able to get enough vitamin D from sunlight or food, taking a vitamin D supplement can help boost your levels. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in fat tissue. People who are overweight or obese may need higher doses of vitamin D to maintain healthy levels.
- Manage any underlying conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or cystic fibrosis, can affect the body's ability to absorb vitamin D. If you have a medical condition that affects your vitamin D levels, work with your healthcare provider to manage it effectively.
- Get blood tests regularly: Checking your vitamin D levels regularly can help ensure that you're maintaining healthy levels. Your healthcare provider can recommend how often you should get tested based on your individual needs. Also, seeking preventive and routine checkups does not harm & keeps you informed about your body vitals.
Get Your Daily Dose of Sunshine Vitamin to Add Sunshine to Your Health!
Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is essential for overall health and well-being. So, keep your body in check to ensure your wellness, and if there is any indicative symptom that might lead to poor health conditions, take charge of your health immediately.
Redcliffe Labs is with you in staying healthy and ensuring good health for your loved ones. Leap forward for your better health today by booking a Vitamin D Test now. Moreover, you don't have to step out, we offer you complete accessibility & convenience with doorstep sample collection at no extra charge.
We will be back soon with more tips for your better health. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, if you have any queries let us know in the comment box.