Should I Take Vitamin D Supplements?

For decades now, health specialists have found that the number of Americans receiving adequate levels of Vitamin D dropped from 60% in the early 1990s to 30% in the early 2000s.

This decline is quite concerning, as Vitamin D is crucial for our bodies’ ability to absorb and regulate the calcium and phosphate we consume from our diet. This absorption process promotes the circulation of Vitamin D in our bloodstream and is responsible for delivering essential health benefits in many areas of the body.

Health Benefits of Vitamin D3

  • Strengthen bones and muscles
  • Promote a healthy immune system
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Support heart health
  • Improve mood
  • Assist weight loss

Where Does Vitamin D3 Come From?

Given its nickname, the “sunshine vitamin,”  it’s no surprise that one of the main ways we produce D3 is by being exposed to sunlight. However, relying on sunshine is not the most reliable way to ensure you are producing enough D3; it is hard to measure, and too much sun exposure can put you at a greater risk of cancer. 

The other main source is through your diet, but this can also be quite difficult to track day-to-day.

Who Has the Greatest Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency?

  • Vegans and vegetarians: It is particularly difficult for people with plant-based lifestyles to consume enough vitamin D3. That’s because the vitamin is largely found in meat and animal products like beef, fish, cheese, milk, and sheep’s wool.
  • Americans in the northern U.S.: Your body only produces vitamin D after your skin is exposed to sufficient sunlight, making it more difficult for people in northern climates. According to recent studies, only U.S. residents who live south of a line drawn from Los Angeles to Columbia, S.C., get enough sunlight for vitamin D production throughout the year.
  • People with darker skin: The darker someone’s skin is, the less sunlight it absorbs. This means that people with dark skin tones do not absorb as much vitamin D from sun exposure as people with lighter skin tones. When looking closer at the statistic mentioned in the beginning of this article, researchers found that only 10% of the African American population was receiving sufficient vitamin D in the early 1990s, decreasing to only 5% by the early 2000s. 

How Can I Get More Vitamin D3?

Evidence suggests that taking vitamin D3 supplements is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you are getting the quantity you need. 

Here at Green Leaf Sciences, we know how important it is for you to maintain your preferred diet while also getting the essential nutrients your body needs. That’s why we provide all-natural, vegan vitamin D3 supplements in the form of capsules (soft gel and regular), gummies, and a spray

Made with VitaShine, this exclusive source of D3 comes from a special organic plant called lichen, a species that has the ability to grow and accumulate nutrients including vitamin D3 and more.

Learn more about the benefits of our vitamin D3 supplements on our website.

At Green Leaf Sciences, we are committed to directly linking scientific discoveries to consumer and patient needs. Through our partnerships with practitioners across the United States, we are able to bridge the gap between high-quality supplements and medical care to create a better patient experience. Learn more about us here.