Shorter days and less sunlight are hallmarks of our long Canadian winters, but the winter blues don't have to be!
Studies show 1 in 3 Canadians are deficient in vitamin D, which is essential for both mental wellbeing and physical health. It plays an important role in helping to regulate our feel-good brain chemicals, serotonin and oxytocin. So when we're feeling low, it could be due to lesser vitamin D levels.
Since we humans aren't able to produce vitamin D, we rely on the sun as the primary source of the nutrient or we can get it through our diet (fatty fish and egg yolks)
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient. The sun is the primary source of the nutrient, but it is also found in some types of fish, egg yolks & fortified foods. When your skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, a specific type of cholesterol in your skin starts the process of making Vitamin D. The newly converted Vitamin D is stored in your fat cells and remains there until it is called into action. Vitamin D that is consumed as a supplement or through foods is absorbed through your small intestine and moves on to conversion. When Vitamin D is called into action, the liver and the kidneys convert the D3 to the form your body uses. If you don't consume enough foods with vitamin D, supplementation is a reliable source.
Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency may include:
👉 feelings of depression
👉 feelings of anxiety
👉 fatigue, tiredness, sluggishness
👉 low immune health
Benefits of Vitamin D
- Helps to prevent Osteoporosis
- Reducing heart disease
- Production of serotonin, the happy hormone
- Preventing mood disorders
- Energy production
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Helps to reduce brain and memory decline
- Eases symptoms of MS
- Helps hormonal balances
- Supports bone and skeletal health
- Aids in cell differentiation
Vitamin D for Kids- Why Does Your Child Need Vitamin D?
We know that Vitamin D is produced with the sun's ultraviolet rays' assistance on your skin. However, the intensity of the sun today has led all of us to become necessarily overprotective against the sun. Starting at an early age, children wear sunscreen, which blocks out the ultraviolet rays, the very thing that is required for vitamin D production.
Benefits of Vitamin D for Kids
- It ensures the body absorbs and retains calcium, phosphorus and other critical minerals required for building bone and it helps deposit these minerals in bones and teeth, making them stronger and healthier.
- It also strengthens the immune system
- It helps regulate cell growth.
- Supports nervous system health
- Strengthens defences against infections and may improve lung and heart health.
- Necessary for mental health and wellness
When vitamin D supplements for children are helpful
The recommendation is that infants under 12 months require 400iu per day, and older children and adolescents require 600 IU per day. Mothers who are breastfeeding should consider taking a Vitamin D supplement or putting a drop of Vitamin D oil for infants on your nipple before the baby breastfeeds.
Our bodies need 10- 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on our arms, legs, and face every day to start the process and maintain constant Vitamin D production. Our bodies store some vitamin D, so missing a day here or there will not cause a deficiency. Here is a quick checklist on when to consider a Vitamin D supplement for your child.
- If your child is not able to obtain about 15 minutes of unprotected sun a day
- If your child is not consuming fortified dairy or food products
- If your child is not taking a multivitamin that contains at least 400Iu of Vitamin D
- If your child has malabsorption disorders, allergies or digestive disorders
- If your child is taking medications that reduce the absorption of vitamin D
- If you are breastfeeding and you are not taking a Vitamin D supplement
Choose the Vitamin D3 for you
CanPrev’s D3 1000 IU – Organic Coconut Oil
Offers a convenient way to supplement this critical vitamin. Each softgel of D3 is formulated to provide 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. D3 is suspended in a medium- chain triglyceride base made from organic coconut oil. Coconut oil is a stable fatty acid that enhances the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. It is available in D3 Drops 1000IU – MCT base. Choose this Vitamin D3
- If you are getting moderate levels of sunlight daily
- If you are taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin D
- If you regularly consume foods that are high in Vitamin D
CanPrev’s D3 D3 2500 IU – Organic Coconut Oil
It is the same great formula at a higher dosage. One softgel contains your daily dose of 2500IU of vitamin D3 in a base of organic coconut oil for enhanced absorption. OR choose CanPrev Liquid Vitamin D3 2500 iu for on the go and convenience. Choose this Vitamin D3
- If are are not spending time outdoors
- If you are immune- compromised
- If you are suffering from mental illness
- If you have other medical conditions that can benefit from a higher dosage
- If you are prone to bone breaks and fractures
CanPrev’s Vegan D3 drops are derived from a sustainable lichen source, and are diluted with vegan, GMO free carriers to ensure stability and potency. Similar to moss, lichen is a plantlike organism that is produced via a symbiotic relationship between algae or cyanobacteria and fungi. Lichen is rich in naturally occurring vitamin D3.
CanPrev D3 Drops Kids 400IU – MCT base CanPrev D3 Kids 400 lU is a vitamin D supplement specially formulated for children. One drop daily helps develop and maintain healthy bones and teeth and prevents vitamin D deficiency.
Thank you for reading