Just How Important is Vitamin D?

Are You Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired?

Not quite a year ago, my BoomerGuy and I had our first ever test for Vitamin D.  It was simple blood test that provides an overall reflection of Vitamin D status in the body.   Not sure why we had never been tested before, but glad we finally had it done.  The results were simply staggering in that both of us had significantly depressed levels. 

Now one would ask how is this possible living in southern California where sunshine, a primary source of Vitamin D, is aplenty.  And we’re out in it all the time riding our bikes, tending to our garden or simply sitting back soaking up the rays with a cocktail in the afternoon.

I happened to mention this to a Boomer friend in Tucson so she decided to get tested.  She was astounded when her level came back on the low side, as well.  In Tucson you ask???  It is one of three cities in the United States with the most sunny days, 85% of the year between sunrise and sunset.  

So, what’s going on here?  We consulted our physician, and here is what we discovered as possible root causes for low Vitamin D.  

LIMITED SUN EXPOSURE.  Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight.  If you live in a region with limited sunlight, spend most of your time indoors, or consistently use sunscreen when outdoors, you may not be getting enough sun exposure to produce adequate Vitamin D.

DIETARY INTAKE.  Vitamin D is found in relatively few foods naturally.  Examples are fatty fish (like salmon), egg yolks, and fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and cereal.  You can be the judge if you believe your dietary restrictions limit your intake of Vitamin D.

MALABSORPTION DISORDERS.  Certain medical conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis can interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins like D.

OBESITY.  Vitamin D is fat soluble and excess body fat can sequester Vitamin D making it less available for use in the body.  This can result in lower circulating levels of Vitamin D, even if dietary intake and sun exposure are sufficient.  

DARK SKIN.  Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, reduces the skin’s ability to product Vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure.  People with darker skin tones may require longer sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as those with lighter skin tones.

AGE.  For us, we believe this is the culprit, and our physician agrees.  Older adults, we’re in our 70’s, have reduced skin synthesis of Vitamin D and may also have decreased dietary intake or absorption, leading to lower levels.  So, even though we live in the land of sunshine, that alone may not be enough.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION.  As with the comments on limited sun exposure, individuals who live at higher latitudes or in areas with long winters may have limited sunlight exposure during certain times of the year.

It’s interesting, we did not fully realize what impact our low Vitamin D levels had on our health.  We were fatigued and run down, bruised easily, had unusual mood swings, experienced thinning hair, and were getting sick more frequently, all of which we simply attributed to getting older.  WRONG!!!

Our physician recommended a Vitamin D supplement program consisting of 5000 IU’s (International Units) daily for six months tapering off to 800 IU per day thereafter.  We’ve modified our diet to include more fatty fish and fortified Vitamin D products.  We’ve been following this supplement regimen for the past 9 months and our health has noticeably improved.  

• We don’t have major brain fog from being fatigued, in fact we have more energy than ever;
• Our casual bruising has virtually been eliminated unless we injure ourselves; 
• Our mood swings are a thing of the past; 
• My hair has made a remarkable recovery in thickening without having to take additional supplements, and 
• We’re not picking up dreaded viruses like we had in the past, however, if we do happen to pick up a cold it doesn’t take us down like in the past.  

Once your physician has prescribed a supplement plan for Vitamin D, we made it simple for you at no extra cost to purchase it through our Amazon Store, see Health & Wellness. Please note: it is the 5000 IU supplement.

We are now standard bearers for the importance of Vitamin D.  Our routine has helped my BoomerGuy and I with our recovery and feeling better every day.  If you have any of these symptoms or suspect you might have other issues related to Vitamin D deficiency, please seek advice from your primary care doctor or other medical professional.  They will assist you with recommendations for your own personalized care.  

For us, it was eye opening.  Who would have thought something like low Vitamin D would have been a problem and would have had such a negative impact on our well-being.  First and foremost, many thanks to our physician for ordering the test and then putting us on a supplement program which we feel has made all the difference in the world.  

I am Connie, your Number One BoomerGal hoping you find this information helpful in your quest for Your Ultimate Lifestyle and Well Being.  We’re just about to sign off the month of February and welcome the March and all the splendor it brings to our early spring.  

Go to our Home Page, and be sure to read our calendar on March events.  It’s quite entertaining.  

Disclaimer:  BoomerGal and its associates are not medical professionals.  The information presented in this blog is based on our personal experience and may or may not be applicable to your circumstances.  If you suspect you have low Vitamin D levels, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.  They may recommend blood tests to measure your levels of Vitamin D and provide guidance on supplementation or other interventions based on your individual health profile.