Vitamin D – wonder “drug”?

Vitamin D is the latest nutrient to get attention from health researchers and the media. Every few days, we hear about another chronic or acute health condition that benefits from more vitamin D. The latest additions to the list include Parkinson’s disease and heart disease. Earlier ones include prevention of flu, reducing risk of osteoporosis, and perhaps lowering risk of certain cancers such as prostate or colorectal cancer.

Vitamin D3 is the more potent form. Getting enough sunlight to stimulate your own skin to manufacture the vitamin is best – but many people do not get the sun exposure any more because of sun screen blocks, indoor lives, etc.

Since you can get your vitamin D levels checked, that is something to ask your doctor to test. Then you can know for sure if your supplements are getting properly absorbed.