Many know that vitamin D is the “sunshine vitamin,” (your body makes vitamin D when exposed to the sun) and that it’s essential for avoiding the winter blues, but did you know it’s also important for every cell in your body? It’s true! Not only does vitamin D create a positive outlook but it has loads of other benefits and is an essential vitamin for brain health, mood, skin and immune function.

Signs of a Vitamin D Deficiency

A simple blood test at the doctor’s office can determine your vitamin D level (a healthy range is between 50 and 80). Beyond the blood test, here are some common signs of a vitamin D deficiency that research supports and we’ve seen in our clients.

• Frequent colds and viruses
• Low mood
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Low energy
• Muscle pain
• Bone pain
• Always tired and needing more sleep
• Osteoporosis

If you can relate to any or all of these symptoms, you could benefit from a vitamin D supplement – or if you live in the northern latitudes you could also benefit, since winter sun is weaker and rarely hits your skin when you are covered from head to toe with jackets, scarves and mittens.

How Much Vitamin D to Take

To maintain, or get up to, healthy vitamin D levels, most people need to take a daily dose of 5,000 IU during the winter and 2,000 IU during the summer. Our NutriKey Vitamin D3 supplement comes in two dosage amounts, 1,000 IU each or 5,000 IU each.

As we head into the short days and long nights of winter, stay ahead of the winter blues and give your body this critical nutrient.