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Vitamin D

Do you take Vitamin D? Healthy Living has a wide range of Vitamin D supplements. Below are some interesting facts about Vitamin D that most people may not know about.

Vitamin D the Sunshine Vitamin

New studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. David Llewellyn of the University of Exeter Medical School conducted the study and reported, “He and his team found that adults who were just moderately deficient in vitamin D had a 53 percent increased risk of developing dementia — the general term for any severe decline in mental ability — while the risk jumped to 125 percent for those who had a severe deficiency. Similarly, for Alzheimer’s disease — the most common type of dementia — the moderately deficient adults were 69 percent more likely to develop it, while the severely deficient had a 122 percent increased risk.”

Being Vermonters, this is a bit alarming due to the fact that 80-90% of Vitamin D is synthesized through sun exposure, hence the nick  name the sunshine vitamin.  Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to seasonal Depression Disorder also known as SAD. Don’t fret, fellow Vermonters!  Research shows that 15-20 minutes a day of sunshine is enough to fulfill the daily intake, especially if we include certain fish and Vitamin D fortified foods such as milk and some cereals in our diet. However, for the winter season (especially for the vegetarians and vegans)  a Vitamin D supplement is wise; it will replace our lack of sunshine and help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder.  To check out the article for yourself click here.   Enjoy what’s left of our beautiful Fall sunshine!