Milwaukee North News

Aurora Psychiatric Hospital issued the following announcement on Feb 17.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient we need to stay healthy and keep our bones strong, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. But its importance doesn’t stop there. It also plays a role in keeping our teeth strong and helping to protect against the loss of bone mass. Our immune system also uses vitamin D to help fight off viruses.

Maintaining healthy levels is important to our overall health. But identifying vitamin D deficiency isn’t as simple as looking at a list of symptoms.

“Many people who are vitamin D deficient do not become symptomatic until it is severe,” says Dr. Katie Thompson, specializing in internal medicine at Aurora Health Care.

But there are signs to look out for. Being vitamin D deficient can cause weak bones or muscles that can lead to fractures, according to Thompson. She says other less severe symptoms can include mood changes, muscle cramps, bone and joint pain, and fatigue.

“If someone shows signs and symptoms I would recommend speaking with your doctor. They may recommend getting your levels checked,” says Molly Jorde, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Aurora Health Care. “From there, your doctor can recommend a dose for a supplement if needed, or if you should increase your vitamin D-rich foods. I would always recommend speaking to your doctor prior to starting a supplement, as vitamin D may interact with other medications you are on.”

Thompson agrees and cautions against going straight to extra supplementation.

“Vitamin D is a vitamin you can take too much of, so it is never a bad idea to check a lab to make sure a supplement (and what dose of supplement) is needed,” she said.

Thompson says that increasing vitamin D-rich foods, spending time outside and taking a vitamin D supplement (with proper dosage), are the best ways to avoid becoming vitamin D deficient.

Jorde adds that you can naturally increase your vitamin D levels by eating a well-balanced diet , along with spending a short amount of time in the sun (10 to 15 minutes), when possible.

Here are some of the most common vitamin D-rich foods, according to Thompson and Jorde:

• Milk, orange juice, or yogurt fortified with vitamin D
• Salmon, mackerel, or trout
• Canned tuna fish
• Sardines
• Cereals fortified with vitamin D
• Cod liver oil

Now is the perfect time to make an appointment with a primary care physician. Whether you live in Illinois or Wisconsin, it’s easy to find a doctor near you. 

Original source can be found here.