Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Supplement - Yahoo Health

What the report says

Women’s Health, in a Yahoo Health republished article, explains that vitamin D is important for bone strength, immune function and other body processes, while outlining when supplements may be useful. The article cites Beth McQuiston, MD, RD, along with several registered dietitians and physicians, and notes that vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, nutrients needed for healthy bones.

According to the report, vitamin D can come from sunlight, certain foods, fortified products and supplements. Foods highlighted include fatty fish such as tuna, trout, sockeye salmon and sardines, along with cod liver oil, mushrooms, egg yolks, liver, cheddar cheese, fortified milk and fortified cereal. The article cites National Institutes of Health information and says research estimates about 18 percent of Americans may be at risk of deficiency.

The Women’s Health article says deficiency risk can be higher for people with limited sun exposure, low dietary intake, darker skin, some medication use, certain gastrointestinal or fat-absorption conditions, prior gastric bypass surgery and pregnancy. Possible symptoms listed include fatigue, muscle or bone pain, frequent illness, hair loss, mood changes and muscle spasms, though some people may have no symptoms. The article says blood testing is the way to confirm vitamin D status and advises discussing concerns with a doctor.

For intake, the article cites Johns Hopkins Medicine guidance that most adult women need 600 IU, or 14 to 70 micrograms, daily, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It also cautions that taking too much vitamin D is possible, particularly through high-dose supplements, making medical guidance important.