In a landmark study spearheaded by researchers from Oxford University, researchers were able to correctly identify two hundred specific pathways that vitamin D influenced - which proves just how important this natural vitamin is for a long and healthy life.

The study

According to lead researcher Andreas Heger, the 200 individual pathways that led back to the receptor for vitamin D shows the important role that vitamin D plays in disease prevention and general health. Among the pathways and genes that vitamin D has an influence on are:

- Rickets
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes, type I
- Chron’s disease
- Colorectal cancer
- Leukemia

The message of the study was quite simple: if you do not get enough vitamin D, you will be more at risk for so many health problems, including auto-immune conditions and chronic conditions such as diabetes.

The body is capable of manufacturing its own vitamin D, but you need to be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 10 minutes everyday for this to happen.  An estimated 1 billion individuals are diagnosed as being vitamin D-deficient around the world - a sad statistic that merits serious attention. Vitamin D may also be good for your brain - because current research points to the connection between vitamin D deficiency and decrease in cognitive function as one ages.

Getting some much needed vitamin D

To get your daily dose of vitamin D, you can expose yourself to sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes per day (walk, run, cycle - get some exercise, too!) to get a high dose of natural vitamin D.  You can also try vitamin D supplements as well as vitamin-D fortified foods.  Just make sure that your dairy product choices are marked as low fat; otherwise, you might be getting vitamin D but you are also getting excessive calories.

Fish rich in oil such mackerels are also a great way to source natural vitamin D.  Some types of eggs are fortified with this vitamin as well.

Pregnant women need a lot of vitamin D to ensure optimum bone growth in the unborn child.  Vitamin D has also been linked to the normal physical development of the fetus - so make sure that you take prenatal supplements to support your current diet.  The upper limit set for vitamin D is 2000 international units per day.  Check your supplement’s medical literature to find out just how much vitamin D you are receiving every time you take the vitamin D supplement.

For breast-fed infants, guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that infants be given an equivalent of 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation to avoid vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to poor bone formation or weak bones and other physical development problems.

Children who do not regularly consume dairy products or fortified milk products also require vitamin D supplementation. 400 IU of vitamin D everyday is ideal to sustain optimum physical development.  Vitamin D deficiency can predispose a child to rickets.

Sources:
newsmaxhealth.com
mayoclinic.com
mayoclinic.com