Nutrition

After completing your initial post, read and reply to two of your classmates entries each week.The discussion board is a place where we extend the conversation to connect and give greater depth and meaning to our learning. Students are expected to post and respond to discussion boards in a thoughtful and coherent way.  You will participate in peer responding for this course using the N.O.W. format.

Please respond to your peers post by:

N Notice something of interest

O Offer a comment

W Wonder about something

Rebecca Stevens

Vitamin D is commonly known to be produced in your skin when exposed to sunlight. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced when exposed to sunlight and when ingesting certain foods and supplements. It is very important in the body.

Vitamin D regulates how much calcium and phosphorus is absorbed by the body and allows for the immune system to function properly. We also need vitamin D for our bones and teeth and resistance against certain diseases.

Some important benefits of vitamin D that I found very interesting are that it may reduce ones risk of multiple sclerosis and decrease heart disease risks. It may also help reduce the probability that one may develop the flu virus.

The fact that I found most interesting is that vitamin D also reduces depression and helps with weight loss. The weight loss effects are based on an ability for vitamin D to suppress your appetite (Wilson, 2020).

It is important to be aware of vitamin D deficiency risks. Limited exposure to sunlight is a common cause of this deficiency. Not having enough vitamin D in your body can increase your risk for bone fractures and osteoporosis. Without enough vitamin D, the body cannot absorb enough calcium. Studies also suggest that vitamin D helps prevent the unrestrained cell multiplication that characterizes [prostate] cancer by reducing cell division. And limiting the spread of cancer cells (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).

I am and have been taking vitamin D supplements for some time now after my doctor had performed a blood test and my level came out borderline low. I do spend a lot of time inside, so this was not a surprise to me. I have been told by my doctor to take a high amount of 3,000 IU per day to maintain optimal blood levels. I had experienced a drastic decrease in energy, and this reversed after taking vitamin D. Vitamin D recommended intake is 400-800 IU per day, but some sources suggest a higher 1,000 to 4,000 IU daily intake.