It’s that time of the year where one specific vitamin is likely low in majority of Australians…
Yep, you guessed it—Vitamin D! After months of cooler, less sunny weather, lots of us are in need of a little sunshine boost. Vitamin D is crucial for keeping us feeling our best, but a deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a higher risk of chronic diseases, and a less-than-stellar immune system.
And here’s the kicker—even during summer, many Australians still fall short on this essential nutrient! If you're experiencing low energy, a bit of a gloomy mood, or feeling under the weather, vitamin D might be the missing nutrient your body needs.
Why Are So Many Australians Deficient?
It’s quite mind-blowing to think that one of the sunniest countries on earth suffers with such low vitamin D levels. According to recent studies:
Approximately 30-40% of Australians are estimated to have insufficient levels of Vitamin D, particularly during the winter months.
Although in some cases there are underlying gut and health conditions that may prevent somebody from absorbing and synthesising vitamin D in the body, for majority of Australians, it is a combination of indoor life-style combined with “sun fear” and overuse of sunscreens rather than practicing sun-safety that is the culprit to vitamin D deficiency.
Indoor Lifestyles: Many people spend a significant amount of time indoors, reducing their opportunity to absorb Vitamin D from the sun.
Sunscreen Use: While sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, it can also inhibit the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D.
Vitamin D: Your Body Can’t Live Without It!
Humans are inherently created to live deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the environment, including sunlight. Dr. Jack Kruse's research highlights the profound impact of sunlight on our physiology, emphasizing how light rays, particularly UVB rays, play a critical role in synthesizing Vitamin D in our skin. This essential nutrient is not just vital for bone health but also supports numerous aspects of overall well-being, including gut health, mitochondrial health and inflammation. By aligning with the natural light cycles and ensuring adequate sunlight exposure, we can enhance our energy levels and maintain a balanced, healthy body, reflecting our intrinsic connection to the sun.
The Primary Benefits of Vitamin D:
☀️Bone Health:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, preventing conditions such as osteoporosis. Adequate calcium levels help in forming and maintaining tooth enamel, which is the first line of defense against cavities.
☀️Immune System Health:
Vitamin D plays a key role in supporting the immune system, helping to fend off infections and illnesses, with recent studies even showing it can help prevent certain types of cancers and other immune-related diseases.
☀️Mood Support:
Adequate levels of Vitamin D are linked to better mood and mental health, as well as assisting with overall hormone balance.
☀️Inflammation
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system and controlling inflammatory responses in the body. It regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines— molecules that can stir up chronic inflammation when out of control. By boosting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and dialing down the pro-inflammatory ones, vitamin D helps your immune system stay in top shape and keep inflammation in check.
Top Foods Rich in Vitamin D
Aside from sunlight whilst practicing sun-safety, did you know that there are foods that are also naturally rich in vitamin D? Here’s the top sources!
🐟Fatty Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are among the richest sources, with a 100g serving of salmon providing about 570 IU of Vitamin D.
🥚Pastured Egg Yolks: Offer a good source of Vitamin D, with one large egg yolk containing approximately 37 IU.
🥛 Pastured Dairy: typically, grass-fed milk has higher levels of Vitamin D compared to conventional dairy, where it contains about 50-80 IU of Vitamin D per serve.
🍄 Mushrooms: Certain types, such as shiitake and maitake, contain Vitamin D, especially when exposed to sunlight. A 100-gram serving of maitake mushrooms can provide up to 1,000 IU when left in the sun.
Our Top 3 Vitamin D Supplements
This cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin A, and vitamin D. Each serving (only 1 tsp) provides 395 IU of whole-food vitamin D. Rosita Cod Liver Oil Liquid offers a natural way to boost your vitamin D levels and promote optimal health. Perfect for those seeking a pure, natural and whole food form of vitamin D, with the added benefit of Omega-3 Fatty acids.
BioCeuticals Vitamin D3 + K2 Spray is a high-quality supplement designed to support your bone and cardiovascular health, due to the vitamin K2 addition. Each spray delivers 1000 IU of vitamin D3, combined with 100 mcg of vitamin K2 (as MK-7). Vitamin D3 and K2 work synergistically as Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption and bone strength, while vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth, reducing the risk of calcium buildup in the arteries. This combination not only supports optimal bone density and cardiovascular health but also promotes overall wellness. Vitamin K2 is difficult to get in the diet, as it is rich in fermented foods such as Natto (fermented beans) and beef liver, which is rather lacking in the Western diet. Ideal for those looking for a convenient, effective way to maintain healthy vitamin D and K2 levels.
If you’re looking for just vitamin D, Bioglan Medlab Nanocell D3 is your go to. It uses cutting-edge technology designed to deliver superior absorption and effectiveness. This formula enhances the bioavailability of vitamin D3, ensuring your body receives maximum benefit from each dose. Each serving of Bioglan Medlab Nanocell D3 provides a precise dose of 1000 IU (25 mcg) of vitamin D3 and ensures rapid absorption and utilisation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a highly effective and efficient way to support their vitamin D levels.
It’s essential to prioritise your Vitamin D intake to support overall health and well-being, and luckily by incorporating the right foods and supplements into your routine, you can ensure your body is well-equipped to thrive!
