Vitamin D deficiency fluctuates with the seasons. Here’s how to take it.
Vitamin D comes mainly from the sun. Thus the grayness of autumn is conducive to vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is essential in our body, participating in particular in the assimilation and fixation of calcium and phosphorus in the bones, minerals essential for the strength and growth of bones. “It also stimulates the action of cells involved in immune defenses. It helps reduce the inflammatory phenomena accompanying viral attack on the respiratory tract, in particular by seasonal viruses. However, its action on the prevention of certain cancers has been called into question in recent studies.“, explains Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner.
The sun being the main source of vitamin D, we understand that deficiencies are more frequent when there is little sunshine, as is the case in autumn and winter. The ideal is to start your treatment in October/November to benefit from the benefits of vitamin D supplementation. If you missed the boat, you can always supplement until February/early March so as not to end the winter deficient. Generally speaking, it is recommended to take vitamin D until the sunny days return, so if they are slow to arrive, you can still ask your treatment doctor about a possible vitamin D prescription.
The dosage increases for people naturally exposed to a risk of deficiency, it is determined by the doctor. “Optimal health benefit is generally obtained with 800 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D per day. It is preferable to obtain this supplementation through daily intake, its assimilation by the body is better and protects against the sometimes harmful effects of intermittent high doses. Generally speaking, we recommend taking 400 IU/day from 0 to 1 year; 600 IU/d from 1 year to 70 years; 800 IU/d from age 70.”
Some people are naturally predisposed to developing vitamin D deficiency such as newborns and infants, the elderly, pregnant women, postmenopausal women, and individuals with dark or dark skin. The blood level of vitamin D is considered normal when it is above 30 ng/ml. Between 20 and 30 ng/mL, it is considered insufficient and if it is below 20 ng/mL, the deficiency is proven. Supplementation is then justified.
Thanks to Doctor Patrick Aubé, general practitioner, to follow on Phytosociety (Instagram and Facebook). Upcoming work: Easy Digestion from Éditions Marie-Claire
