Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, has been shown to be useful in numerous ways over the years, and new research on this essential nutrient comes out all the time. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness, bone pain, depression, and serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. If you're not getting enough of it from food or sunlight, read these 11 lesser-known facts about vitamin D and consider supplementing your diet with a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement today. Here are 8 surprising facts about vitamin D you probably didn't know!




Benefits Of Getting Enough Vitamin D

Most people know that vitamin D is important for strong bones and that we can get it from the sun. But did you know that vitamin D is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even the common cold? Here are 8 surprising facts about this essential nutrient. 

1) A lack of vitamin D has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, and breast cancer. 

2) The current recommendation is 600-800 IU per day (about 20 minutes in the sun without sunscreen). However, many experts believe this amount should be much higher than that- especially for those with darker skin tones who cannot synthesize as much vitamin D due to less exposure to sunlight. 

3) Not getting enough during pregnancy may lead to a greater chance of premature birth or having a low birth weight baby.


1) Helps Prevent Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, helping to prevent osteoporosis and arthritis. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, while arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Both conditions can be painful and debilitating. However, when vitamin D levels are adequate, the body will produce calcitriol (a hormone) which will help promote calcium absorption in the gut. Thus preventing osteoporosis and promoting healthy joints. 

In addition to these two benefits, recent studies have shown that an adequate level of vitamin D may also help reduce your risk of heart attack by one-third. Those with low levels of vitamin D were found to have higher risks of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke 

However, it's important not just to get enough vitamin D but also to avoid too much which can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure or kidney stones


2) Boosts Your Immune System

Did you know that vitamin D does more than just keep your bones healthy? This essential nutrient also plays a role in boosting your immune system. One study found that people with low levels of vitamin D were up to five times more likely to develop respiratory illnesses and colds than those with higher levels of the nutrient. To prevent this, try to get out in the sun for 10-15 minutes per day, which will not only help with your mood but also give you enough time to absorb the benefits of vitamin D from the sun's rays! With UV radiation on the rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find safe ways to enjoy our favorite summer pastime without putting ourselves at risk. Sunburn is bad news all around; it can cause premature aging and even skin cancer, so we want to avoid exposure as much as possible.


3) Promotes Bone Health

Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Vitamin D also helps to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, soft, and easily broken. In addition, inadequate intake of vitamin D has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and cancer. -Improves mood: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression. 

-Defends against colds: Research suggests people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to get sick with a cold or flu than those who have sufficient levels. 

-Protects against heart disease: Recent research found that people with low levels of vitamin -D were twice as likely to die from coronary artery calcification (a major risk factor for cardiovascular events) as those with higher levels. 

-Improves immunity: In another study, pregnant women who had adequate levels of vitamin D were less likely to develop infections during pregnancy than those who didn't have enough.


4) Increases Energy And Endurance

You probably know that vitamin D is important for keeping your bones healthy, but did you know that it can also help increase your energy levels and endurance? That's right, this essential nutrient does more than just keep your bones strong - it can also help you power through your workouts and recover from fatigue more quickly. Here are eight surprising facts about vitamin D you probably didn't know 1) It Can Make Your Brain Stronger: Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to cognitive decline, so try taking a supplement if you think yours might be too low. 2) It Helps Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: Some studies suggest that people with high intakes of vitamin D are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and heart attack. 3) A Little Goes A Long Way: Doctors recommend 200-400 IU per day in order to get the benefits without taking excessive amounts.


5) May Reduce Cancer Risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that vitamin D may help reduce the risk of cancer. The study looked at over 1,200 postmenopausal women and found that those who took a daily vitamin D supplement had a lower risk of developing cancer than those who did not. The researchers were unsure of the reasons for this link but hypothesized that it might be because low levels of vitamin D can lead to inflammation which has been linked to increased cancer risk.


6) Improves Sleep Quality

There are many benefits of vitamin D, and one of them is improving sleep quality. A study done in 2017 found that people who took a vitamin D supplement slept better than those who didn't. One of the reasons why vitamin D may improve sleep quality is because it helps the body produce melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, try taking a vitamin D supplement and see if it makes a difference for you. It could be worth a shot!


7) Boosts Brain Function

You probably know that vitamin D is important for keeping your bones healthy, but did you know that it can also boost brain function? Here are eight surprising facts about vitamin D you probably didn't know -It can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by up to 60% in those with low levels. 

-It has been shown to help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia. 

-It helps protect against depression and anxiety. 

-It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscles around the blood vessels, making them more elastic. 

-Studies have found a correlation between lower vitamin D levels and increased rates of cardiovascular disease. 

-Vitamin D reduces muscle pain after exercise.