A Word about Vitamin D

Content courtesy of sponsor Oakdale ObGyn

While information is widely available about multi-faceted vitamin D, many women still have questions. According to Oakdale ObGyn nurse practitioner Carmen Stansberry, common questions she gets in clinic range from how much is needed, what’s normal and deficiency symptoms. “There’s still confusion, particularly in younger women who don’t see themselves at risk for heart disease or bone loss.” Read on to learn more of what you need to know and what you can do regarding vitamin D.

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​Stansberry offers some need-to-know basics:

• Normal levels are between 30– 50 ng/ml. Anything above 30 ng/ml generally meets the needs of most women.
• Women of any age are at risk for low Vitamin D. Risk depends on current blood levels, where you live, ethnicity, sun exposure, sunscreen use, and diet. Ample cloudy days in the midwest, a tendency to stay indoors when it’s cold, and sunscreen use for skin cancer prevention increase risk. We still recommend using sunscreen daily.
• Symptoms of low Vitamin D include fatigue, frequent colds or respiratory infections, joint or muscle pain, and mood changes. Such symptoms may warrant blood level testing, says Stansberry. “Talk with your medical provider about your symptoms.” 

 
What you can do:

• Get out in the sun and use sunscreen wisely. Sunshine helps your body make Vitamin D.
• Mind what you eat. Diets rich in Vitamin D close the gap in what you don’t receive from the sun. Fatty fishes such as wild-caught salmon and canned tuna, fortified beverages such as milk and orange juice, and fortified cereals such as oatmeal and granola can all make a difference.

 
Vitamin D requirements can change throughout your life so it is always best to discuss your recommended dosage of supplements with your personal health care provider. Supplements are still medications and can be harmful when taken in high doses or with certain medical conditions.