Regular vitamin D supplements help build, maintain bones
Vitamin D does a lot for your body. Not only does this nutrient help build healthy bones, it also works to maintain muscle function, brain cell activity and immune health.
Where do you get Vitamin D? Few places other than fortified cereal, fortified milk and fatty fish – mackerel, salmon, sardines. Your body also gets Vitamin D from direct sunlight. You may want to ask your physician if you need a Vitamin D supplement.
Doctor’s advice
A blood test will check for the level of Vitamin D in your body.
If the level is low, your physician may recommend a multivitamin with vitamin D. This is especially an issue for older people who don’t get enough exposure to the sun to meet their Vitamin D needs, which they may need if their bones weaken with age.
Vitamin D along with calcium, has been found to reduce bone fractures, slow bone mineral loss and help prevent osteoporosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Researchers also are looking at Vitamin D to see how it can benefit people with cancer, multiple sclerosis, cognitive health and other issues.
Warning
The recommended daily amount of Vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
But studies show that taking too much vitamin D via supplements can be counterproductive. Nausea, constipation and kidney stones are just three of the symptoms that can attack children ages 9 years and older, adults, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who take more than 4,000 IU a day.
In addition, check with your doctor about Vitamin D if you have heart or kidney problems or high blood calcium or phosphorus levels.
The pharmacist at Drugs and More can provide more information about Vitamin D and other supplements. 718-480-6473.