Vitamin D is essential for a health body and immune system, a balanced mood, and healthy eyes.
Here are plenty of reasons to get outside and get some sunshine.
EYE HEALTH BENEFITS
Low Vitamin D levels is associated with an increased risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) - an eye disease that is the #1 cause of vision loss in older adults
Low Vitamin D is also associated with Diabetic Retinopathy and Dry Eye Disease
WHOLE BODY BENEFITS
Vitamin D has profound effects on mood, and people with low levels of Vitamin D show an increased risk of depression
Vitamin D regulates the immune system and is critical in helping our bodies fight infections
Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases including tuberculosis, asthma, COPD, and viral respiratory infections
It also has a role in preventing and treating Diabetes, Atherosclerosis (heart disease), Multiple Sclerosis - these systemic conditions have significant effects on ocular health and vision
What to Eat
We get Vitamin D from sunlight - UV light is transformed into Vitamin D3 by a biochemical process in our skin
While getting Vitamin D from the sun is ideal, Vitamin D3 can also be found in fish, and Vitamin D2 is found in milk & dairy
Supplementation is recommended for those who live in higher altitudes (e.g. Canada!) who get less sun exposure during winter as they are likely to be deficient in Vitamin D
Health Canada's Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin D:
Children to Adults < 50 = 600 IU
Adults 70+ = 800 IU
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