As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the human body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight but can also be gained from food sources such as fish, eggs and other fortified food products with vitamin D. Yet, around 40%-75% of people in the US alone are estimated to have vitamin D deficiency. This is primarily attributed to the low availability of vitamin D in typical foods or the low consumption of the vitamin D rich foods for the average American. But likewise, the average American is getting limited sun exposure either because of their geographical location or by their own choice to avoid harmful impacts of over exposure to sun. It has also been established that too much sunlight heightens the risk of skin cancer and leads to accelerated skin ageing.
In recent years vitamin D supplements have increasingly gained in popularity as a source of vitamin D. As per a 2019 survey published by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), 31% of US adults consume vitamin D, the second-highest after multivitamin supplements taken by 58% American adults.
As per Examine.com, an independent organisation which claims to have the largest database of nutrition and supplement research, consumption of Vitamin D supplements result in a host of benefits. In addition to increased cognition, immune response, bone health and well-being, Vitamin D supplementation was found to be effective in lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
More specifically, individuals taking Vitamin D supplements for a sustained period were found to have stronger bones and greater bone mineral density, when compared to those which do not include vitamin D in their diets. It was also found that supplemental doses of vitamin D result in higher testosterone levels in men to a mild degree. Notably, vitamin D is also associated with significantly lesser falls in the elderly population, in turn requiring lesser hospital visits. Takers of vitamin D supplements also tend to be at a reduced risk of various upper-respiratory tract infections (URTIs).
Finally, it's regarded that a dosage of 2,000 – 4,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D is safe and helps to achieve normal vitamin D levels among pregnant women. This, in turn, is an effective way of preventing Vitamin D deficiency in newborns. In the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some experts have recommended consuming 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, this it has not been clinically established.
While vitamin D supplements offer several benefits always consult a GP or a healthcare practitioner to ascertain any vitamin D deficiencies and determine the right level of supplemental vitamin D dosage. Our vegan vitamin D3 is 1000IU and offers 25micrograms per tablet.
Also read: What is the difference between vegan and non-vegan vitamin D3?