Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because our body produces the vitamin in response to sunlight. Vitamin D allows the body to use the calcium from our diet to keep our bones strong.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in those who suffer from milk allergies or maintain a vegetarian diet. Symptoms are normally subtle but even without symptoms health risks may occur.

Some symptoms include:
    - Depression
    - Chronic fatigue
    - Weight loss
    - Elevated blood sugar
    - Heart disease
    - Stroke
    - Osteoporosis

The following are ways to prevent vitamin D deficiency:
    - Change diet to include foods such as fish, fish liver oils, cheese, beef liver and some grains.
    - Spend a little extra time outside
    - Exercise (Fat cells absorb vitamin D)
    - Take a vitamin D supplement

If you have more questions about vitamin D deficiency, contact Casey McLeod at Medical Center Pharmacy.