Vitamin D is necessary for both bone and muscular health, particularly in children and the elderly. There is more and more proof that vitamin D may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, notably prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. The Canadian Cancer Society recognizes the importance of vitamin D in the prevention of breast cancer. Furthermore, vitamin D may have beneficial effects on aging: A new British study has found that people with more vitamin D in their body age slower than others.
And in case of deficiency?
Experts are currently worried about the growing number of people presenting a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency provokes weakness and muscular aches or fatigue. We notice increased risks of fractures, cancer (particularly colon cancer), auto-immune diseases like type 1 diabetes, and probably even type 2 diabetes. Low levels of vitamin D would increases the risk of cardiovascular incidents as well as the development of multiple sclerosis.
The causes of the deficiencies
Vitamin D is relatively hard to find in nature. We find minimal quantities in animal food sources or even in vegetable food sources (fish liver oils, mushrooms, yeast and cereals). It is therefore practically impossible to get a sufficient amount through dietary sources alone.
It is a liposoluble vitamin (soluble in fats or fat solvents) synthesized in the human body through the action of UV light rays. This source is rather variable depending on the amount of exposure to the sun (affected by the seasons, fog, region, and clothes), the thickness as well as skin pigmentation. In elevated latitudes, especially in the winter months, it is nearly impossible to get a minimal dose of vitamin D every day. A recent study shows that 75% of people are affected by vitamin D deficiency in the winter.
Although the lack of sufficient doses of vitamin D is a phenomenon affecting the whole of the population, the main groups at risk should seriously consider taking a supplement:
- The elderly, especially those living in an institution.
- People with dark or black skin.
- Those who have little exposure to the sun for medical or cultural reasons.
has an excellent taste. It is easy to take for everyone and offers optimal assimilation.