In colder climates, vitamin D supplements can be necessary for good health.
Are you living in the ice and snow of winter? Feeling down? It could be the weather in general that’s the culprit, but some experts say feelings of gloom in winter time can be associated with lower levels of vitamin D.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include bone pain, feeling tired, having weak muscles, aches, and cramps, as well as suffering from mood changes that can result in depression.
How You Get Vitamin D
Your body gathers vitamin D from the sun, as well as from supplemented foods and nutritional vitamins. You need sufficient vitamin D to keep your bones strong in order to prevent diseases like Rickets. You also need this vitamin to ward off imbalanced health that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, immune system disorders, multiple sclerosis, and some types of cancer.
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Your body can absorb and store vitamin D in the summer months from the sun, but most of us don’t spend enough time outside to stock up on vitamin D for the entire year. Most people in Northern climates need vitamin D supplements in order to stay healthy.
If you live far away from the equator as the seasons change, the sun’s UV-B rays decrease making it difficult for your body to synthesize enough vitamin D from them.
In addition, people with darker skin have better natural protection from the sun. This makes it harder for this group to get enough vitamin D, however, compared with those with lighter skin. People over the age of 50 also have a more difficult time synthesizing adequate levels of this vitamin.
How Much Vitamin D is Enough?
Of course, never take too much vitamin D as this can cause you health problems as well. It’s all about finding an optimal balance.
The U.S Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for the majority of adults is 600 IU of vitamin D per day.
Which vitamin D supplements are the best? Here are 5 top-rated supplemental sources of vitamin D, according to online reviews, to keep you in good health this January.
Carlson Vitamin D
As Amazon’s top choice of vitamin D3, this supplement gives you 2,000 IU of vitamin D per capsule via gluten free soft gels. With 360 capsules in each bottle, this product can potentially supply two people with enough vitamin D to last a year, if taken every-other-day (as per USRDA advice).
Naturelo Vitamin D
Naturelo vitamin D is a top-rated supplement and ideal for those who want a gluten-free, vegan source for their vitamin. Many vitamin D supplements are made from lanolin, which is a waxy substance that sheep secrete into their wool to help keep dry. Alternatively, this vegan vitamin D3 is sourced from wild-harvested lichen and produces the same results.
D Drops
If you find swallowing large supplements whole is not to your liking, D Drops may be a solution for you. This vitamin D comes in a liquid form that can be easily mixed with food or drink. Stir some liquid sunshine in your coffee and drink up!
Nature Made Chewable Tablets
Grape flavored Nature Made chewable vitamin D tablets provide you with 1,000 IU of vitamin D in each tablet. Tasty and easy to eat, this approach also makes taking vitamin D easy to do.
New Chapter Vitamin D
This organic form of vitamin D comes fortified with adaptogenic Reishi mushrooms and fermented whole-food turmeric. Both of these superfood ingredients are said to possibly help your body better absorb the vitamin D available.
Always consult with your doctor before beginning a new supplement to ensure it’s right for you.
photo credits: FotoHelin/Shutterstock.com
