Winter has its gifts. It carries a rhythm of slowing down, shifting focus internally more, resting and like many plant bulbs, gathering nutrition and energy for the coming spring.
Either because there’s less sunshine or because we’re more covered up, vitamin D becomes even more important to take as a supplement. Some foods that we consume are fortified with vitamin D but depending on the person and your lifestyle, supplementing vitamin D is a good idea during the winter time.
Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption and retention, a key nutritional function in supporting healthy bones and teeth. Clinical studies involving vitamin D supplementation suggest the importance of both vitamin D and calcium for bone health. Calcium intake, when combined with sufficient vitamin D, a healthy diet and regular exercise, may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplementation alone also supports bone health. It promotes intestinal calcium and phosphorous absorption, and reduces urinary calcium loss, essential mechanisms for maintaining proper calcium levels in the body and healthy bone composition.
Along with these functions, Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation.
It’s important to know that when taking vitamin D supplements, that you make sure that it’s vitamin D3 that you’re taking and not vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D that your body synthesizes on its own with the help of the sun. And it’s also important to make sure that the supplements you take are of the highest quality, both for your health and to make sure you’re getting value for money spent. If you have any further questions regarding vitamin D or you would like to order some through the clinic, please don’t hesitate to talk to us.
To ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin D naturally, make sure to get enough healthy sun exposure during the colder months. And we’re lucky enough to live in Ottawa, with so many outdoor activities for us to enjoy during the winter!