Hey there, wellness warriors! Did you know that November is Vitamin D Awareness Month? 

That’s right! This month isn’t just about Diabetes Awareness (which I covered last time)—it’s also spreading and raising awareness about the “sunshine vitamin” and its incredible significance to your overall health! ☀️

This post is all about vitamin D awareness month.

There’s always more to learn about this essential nutrient—and how it keeps our bodies running smoothly.

So, grab your favorite warm drink and let’s dive into why Vitamin D is so important, how to check your levels, and how you can take charge of your health!

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Why Is Vitamin D So Important?

👉 Vitamin D is like the VIP pass your body needs to perform at its best. It plays a HUGE role in your health.

What Vitamin D Does for You

• Strengthens Your Bones: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health.
• Boosts Your Immunity: It’s your first line of defense against seasonal bugs.
• Supports Mental Health: Feeling a little gloomy? Low Vitamin D might be a culprit.
• Improves Muscle Function: From workouts to everyday tasks, Vitamin D keeps you moving strong.

But here’s the kicker: Many of us don’t get enough Vitamin D.

Vitamin D Deficiency – A Global Concern

Yes! Vitamin D deficiency is a common health issue that doesn’t get talked about enough worldwide.

Research estimates that nearly 1 billion people globally suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, with an additional 50% of the population experiencing insufficient levels. (Source)

That’s a staggering number, considering how vital Vitamin D is for our overall well-being.

Zooming in closer to home, approximately 35% of adults in the United States are Vitamin D deficient. (Source)

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

Several factors can contribute to Vitamin D deficiency, including:

1. Limited Sun Exposure

Your body produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but limited sun exposure—due to where you live, the time of day, sunscreen use, or spending time indoors—can reduce its production.

2. Poor Diet

Vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified products are key to maintaining healthy levels. If your diet lacks these foods, especially in plant-based or restrictive diets, you might be more at risk for deficiency.

3. Age

As you age, your skin becomes less efficient at producing Vitamin D. Older adults also tend to spend more time indoors, reducing their exposure to sunlight, which can lead to lower Vitamin D levels.

4. Obesity

If you have higher levels of body fat, Vitamin D can be stored in your fat tissue, making it less available for your body to use. This can increase your risk of deficiency.

5. Health Conditions

Certain health conditions like Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, and chronic kidney or liver diseases can interfere with your ability to absorb or convert Vitamin D. Some medications may also lower your Vitamin D levels.

6. Skin Tone

If you have darker skin, you may produce less Vitamin D from sunlight, making you more prone to deficiency.

Now that you understand how crucial Vitamin D is and the factors that influence your levels, let’s take a closer look at the health issues that can arise when your Vitamin D is low.

Discovered Links Between Vitamin D and Chronic Diseases

Researchers have uncovered remarkable connections between Vitamin D deficiency and a wide range of health conditions. Beyond its well-known role in calcium absorption and bone health, Vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to diseases such as:

• Tuberculosis
• Psoriasis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Type-1 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Failure
• Muscle Disorders (Myopathy)
• Breast and Other Cancers

These associations are thought to stem from Vitamin D’s “non-calcemic” actions, meaning its influence goes beyond calcium regulation. The parent Vitamin D and its active steroid hormone play a critical role in regulating immune function, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall cellular health.

As researchers continue to explore these links, the importance of maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels becomes even clearer—not just for preventing deficiencies but for promoting long-term health and resilience.

And… one more IMPORTANT thing…

It’s not just about physical health—let’s also highlight this important connection between Vitamin D and mental health, because it’s also a big deal!

Vitamin D and Mental Health

Research shows that Vitamin D plays a significant role in brain function and mood regulation. Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – That winter blues feeling could be more than just a seasonal slump—it might be low Vitamin D.
• Anxiety and Depression – Studies suggest that maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive Health – Some research points to Vitamin D’s potential role in protecting against cognitive decline as we age.

Moreover, there is growing research suggesting that Vitamin D deficiency has a connection with schizophrenia, a serious mental health disorder characterized by symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive impairments. 

Individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to have lower levels of Vitamin D, and studies indicate that Vitamin D supplementation could have potential benefits in the management of the disorder. 

Vitamin D and Black People

As mentioned earlier, one factor contributing to lower Vitamin D levels is having a darker skin tone. 

People with darker skin, including Black individuals, are at a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency due to the presence of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Melanin reduces the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. For Black individuals, this means that even with adequate sun exposure, Vitamin D levels may still fall short, potentially leading to health issues such as:

• Weakened immune response
• Higher risk of bone density loss
• Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension

New Vitamin D Guidelines: It’s a Hot Topic

Recently, there’s been buzz about new Vitamin D guidelines released by the Endocrine Society.

These guidelines recommend limiting Vitamin D supplements to only specific groups at risk for deficiency, such as children, pregnant women, adults over 75, and those with high-risk prediabetes. (Source)

For most healthy adults under 75, additional supplementation isn’t necessary, and routine Vitamin D testing is no longer recommended for those without symptoms or risk factors. This shift is based on the lack of strong evidence supporting the idea that extra Vitamin D prevents diseases like cancer, heart disease, or bone fractures in healthy individuals.

Physician and Public Response

The new guidelines have received significant backlash from both healthcare professionals and patients. Over 200 doctors have voiced their concerns, with some calling the recommendations “dangerous.” (Source)

Physicians argue that the guidelines ignore the broader potential benefits of Vitamin D, particularly in managing autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, cardiovascular health, and even mental health. 

Critics also point out that the guidelines fail to consider the unique needs of individuals with limited sun exposure due to lifestyle, cultural practices, or medical conditions. Patients, many of whom have been supplementing based on previous recommendations, are now left confused about whether they should continue taking Vitamin D or have their levels tested.

While the guidelines aim to streamline Vitamin D testing and supplementation…

One thing is clear:

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting not only your physical well-being but also your mental health.

If you’ve been feeling a bit off lately, checking your Vitamin D levels could be a simple yet powerful step toward improving your mood and overall well-being. Understanding your levels is essential for making informed decisions about your health and taking control of your wellness.

How to Check Your Vitamin D Levels

The good news is that checking your Vitamin D levels can be quick and easy. You can do it with a simple blood test, and one of the best ways to get started is with Thorne’s Vitamin D Test Kit.

Thorne is a trusted, science-backed brand that’s dedicated to your health and wellness. Their products are top-tier, rigorously tested, and used by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Plus, they make understanding your health simple, which I absolutely love.

Here’s the deal:

• You can create a free Thorne account through my dispensary link.

• Browse their wide selection of high-quality health products (hello, supplements!) tailored to your needs.

• Check out their Vitamin D test kits to get started on your wellness journey.

• Order and Test.  Once you receive your test kit, follow the instructions, and send it back for analysis.

Using Thorne’s at-home testing, you can find out your Vitamin D levels without stepping out of your cozy home. Once you have your results, they even recommend personalized solutions to help you get back on track.

The Benefits of Knowing Your Levels

Why guess when you can know for sure? Testing your Vitamin D levels allows you to:

• Personalize your wellness routine.
• Prevent health issues before they start.
• Feel confident that you’re giving your body what it needs.

Ready to enhance your wellness journey? 

👉 Visit my dispensary to explore my other carefully curated selection of Thorne supplements.

Let’s Make This Month Count!!!

This Vitamin D Awareness Month…

👉 prioritize your health, support your immune systems, and brighten up those gloomy days. There are several effective ways to boost them naturally and through supplements. 

6 Tips to Boost Your Vitamin D Levels

Get More Sun Exposure

Aim for 10-30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week to help your body produce Vitamin D. Be mindful of sun protection to avoid skin damage.

Eat Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Incorporate foods like salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, fortified milk, and mushrooms into your diet to support your Vitamin D needs.

Consider Vitamin D Supplements

If you’re not getting enough Vitamin D through food or sun exposure, consider supplements (Vitamin D3 is the most effective form). Consult with your healthcare provider for the right dosage.

Choose Fortified Foods

Look for foods like cereal, plant-based milk, and yogurt that are fortified with Vitamin D to boost your intake.

Get Vitamin D Tested

Testing your Vitamin D levels is the best way to track your intake. Thorne offers at-home testing kits to help monitor your levels.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess fat can store Vitamin D, making it less available for your body. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help optimize your Vitamin D levels.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your body is getting enough Vitamin D for optimal health.

Remember that every step counts! Explore all the ways you can shine brighter—inside and out. 🌞

Here’s to happier, healthier days ahead! Let’s make it happen! 

💛 Sonya

This post is all about vitamin D.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.