Have you noticed that vitamin D has been a major topic in the news lately? Also called the sunshine vitamin, it is essential to your general health, primarily because it boosts your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Several studies have shown that it helps the body to recover faster. Basically, that’s the reason why vitamin D got so famous during the coronavirus pandemic.
As you probably know already, vitamin D is closely linked to sun exposure. That’s why many people tend to have a deficiency during the winter months. For instance, a study has pointed out that about 42% of Americans are deficient. But before we talk some more about this, let’s see what this vitamin does exactly.
To be able to absorb calcium, your body needs vitamin D to help bone health and growth. Although it hasn’t been shown that vitamin D deficiency could lead to certain diseases, some studies have found a few links between high levels of vitamin D and a lower risk of disease. Here are other benefits:
- Improves muscle strength.
- Helps to keep both your bones and your heart healthy.
- Boosts your mood.
- Improves your sleep.
The recommended daily amount is 400-800 IU, but many experts believe that a higher daily intake is optimal.
Now, if you usually feel exhausted and worn out and you don’t know why, keep reading to find out other signs of sunshine vitamin deficiency to check whether you have it or not.
