An introduction to Vitamin D

Vitamin D is hot.

That's what the Globe and Mail reported recently in an article examining this interesting compound.

Vitamin D is making headlines recently as scientists are beginning to unlock the mysteries behind this chemical. The organization Vitamin D Council out of the United States has pushed for more research into this compound.

For decades, vitamin D was thought to be important merely for healthy bone development. The absence of vitamin D often led to a medical condition called rickets, where bones softened over time and the patient would become bow-legged.

Even using the word 'vitamin' is a bit of a misnomer when dealing with this compound. Vitamins are defined as compounds that the body cannot synthesize and thus requires acquiring them from food and drink. The human body is capable of synthesizing vitamin D through the absorption of sunlight by the skin.

There are many factors that can prevent an individual from receiving an adequate dose of vitamin D over a month. Not only do we wear clothing that covers most of our skin, but for people living in the northern and southern hemispheres the ability to absorb vitamin D in the winter months is dramatically reduced. We also spend less time outside than we did 100 years ago.

Several recent articles have cited the positive benefits of vitamin D to a wide range of issues. From its affect on asthma, to its ability to fight crohn's disease, to preventing fractures and fighting colon cancer.

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with heart risk and even depression.

The research isn't unanimous yet, but as researchers continue to unlock the mysteries of this fascinating compound the evidence is growing.

So what can you do to better protect your health? There are several ways to dramatically increase your bodies store of vitamin D. Firstly, you can drink dairy or soy milk fortified with vitamin D. Secondly, you can spend time outside (unless you live in the far northern or southern hemispheres). Thirdly, you can take a vitamin D supplement as part of a regular dietary regime.

Remember, if you are concerned about your own vitamin D levels, the best advice is to go and see a health care practitioner.