In our Facebook Story of the Day for June 16, we take a look at Vitamin D deficiency.
UPDATED: June 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Doctors have known for a while now that Vitamin D is important for our health. Not only does it help us build stronger bones and muscles, but Vitamin D may ward off certain diseases.
Most adults under 70 need 600 units of Vitamin D per day to keep healthy. Those over the age of 70, may need as much as 800 units.
Many people associate a Vitamin D deficiency with bone density. Quincy Medical Group Dermatologist Dr. Helge Riemann says a Vitamin D deficiency has now been linked to other diseases.
Dr. Riemann says, "Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to certain types of cancer and certain inflammatory diseases like diabetes and arthritis."
Dr. Riemann says milk, eggs, fatty fishes like salmon along with a limited amount of sun exposure, are great sources of Vitamin D. He says taking a supplements can also help.
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When it comes to the great outdoors, we hear over and over, "Cover up and put some sunscreen on."
UV rays and skin cancer is a big concern for those of us that spend a good deal of time outdoors.
If you shun sunlight, adhere to a strict vegetarian diet or avoid drinking milk, you might have something equally serious to worry about ... Vitamin D deficiency.
Most commonly, Vitamin D comes from your body when it's exposed to natural sunlight.
Why do you need it?
Without Vitamin D, you may start to suffer from subtle pain and muscle weakness that might eventually lead to increased mood changes, depressive behavior and lastly osteoporosis in women.
You also need Vitamin D for growth and development.
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