Now is the Time to Think Vitamin D   By Nutritionist, Karla Bohan for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. Karla specialises in weight management and sports nutrition.   Vitamin D is well known for its role in bone health. In fact, it is a hormone which plays an important role in many bodily processes. Therefore, its deficiency can negatively affect our health. It has been associated with osteoporosis, cancer and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that it could play a role in diabetes, hypertension and immune function.   Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland is all too prevalent. According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, everyone living in Ireland has an inadequate intake of Vitamin D. At 53 degrees north, Ireland doesn’t provide enough ultraviolet rays from sunlight to trigger sufficient Vitamin D synthesis in our skin. Hence, our Vitamin D status during the winter months really depends on our intake through food. Food sources include: oily fish like salmon and mackerel, egg yolks, and fortified products such as some brands of milk, spreads, and cereals. The amount of Vitamin D in these are low so achieving healthy levels through food can be somewhat challenging.   So, should you be taking a supplement? That depends. Too much intake of Vitamin D can cause a build-up of calcium in your blood. As different population groups have different requirements it is important to be assessed by a health professional who can decide the adequate supplement form and dosage.   Talk to your General Practitioner and get tested if you’re concerned about your Vitamin D levels, and to a Nutritionist to work on a plan that can help you increase your intake through diet.       __________________________________________________________________________ Karla Bohan graduated in Nutritional Therapy from the College of Naturopathic Medicine. CNM trains students for careers in a range of natural therapies, including Naturopathic Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Naturopathy. Join us at our next open evening. Reserve your free place at www.naturopathy.ie

Disclaimer Please consult with your doctor should you be on any prescribed medicine before taking any recommended products. The information and advice received here should be used for guideline purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or used to self-diagnose. We do not recommend the use of vitamin supplements, homeopathy, herbal products or any products purchased from The Health Store in place of qualified medical advice. We recommend checking with your medical practitioner before taking any of our products, especially when taking prescription or other long-term medication.

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