By Kaley Burns EBS COLUMNIST
Did you know that living above the 37th parallel likely leads to vitamin D deficiency during colder months? The 37th parallel intersects the United States just south of San Francisco on the West Coast, and just south of Richmond, Virginia in the East. This means cities north of that line like Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Salt Lake City and Big Sky are impacted.
In Montana, not only are the winter months too cold to expose enough skin, but the sun’s UVB rays are not strong enough. If you do not address the lack of sunlight, your vitamin D stores could be significantly depleted.
Why are optimal vitamin D levels important?
Studies have shown a connection between vitamin D and protection against cancer, heart disease, bacterial and viral infections, and bone loss. It alsosupports a balanced mood, restful sleep and hormone regulation. More recent studies also show that optimal serum vitamin D reduces inflammation, regulates cellular processes and supports metabolism. A vitamin D deficiency may result in symptoms including fatigue, musculoskeletal pain or weakness, depression and impaired cognitive function.
How much vitamin D do I need?
To determine how much vitamin D your body needs, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider. They can measure your vitamin D levels with a simple blood test and make recommendations based on your personal data. While the reference range is large, optimal levels are between 50 and 70 nanograms per milliliter. In the winter you may need to rely on supplementation, best under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Do I supplement or not?
The best food sources of vitamin D are oily fish, including salmon, mackerel and sardines. Other sources include egg yolks, red meat and liver. Depending on your diet, supplementation may be necessary. To best know how much you individually need, it is recommended to visit with a professional and have a comprehensive lab workup.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
