One of the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies in the U.S., Vitamin D Deficiency Can Reduce Your Immune Function, Cause Muscle Pain, Heart Disease, Cancer, & More
For those with gluten issues, vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Unlike other vitamins, the majority of Vitamin D is not acquired from eating adequate food. Most of our vitamin D comes directly from sunshine. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the US is largely a result of the following:
- people working indoors
- avoiding sunshine out of fear of skin cancer
- living in northern climates (see map)
- overuse of sunscreen
Those at risk for vitamin D deficiency include:
- The elderly
- Those who live in northern latitudes (see map)
- Dark skinned individuals
- Those who avoid sun exposure
- Those who use sunscreen (SPF >8 inhibits vitamin D synthesis by the skin. This includes the use of cosmetics and lotions that contain SPF ingredients)
- Those who work indoors
- Individuals who wear long clothing such as robes or head protection
- Breast fed infants whose mothers are vitamin D deficient
- People who are obese
- Those who have had gastric bypass and gall bladder surgery
- Those with inflammatory bowel diseases
- Those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance
- Those who take cholesterol medications
- Those who take steroid medications
- Chronic antibiotic use
What are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Poor immune function (susceptibility to infection)
- Eczema (skin rash)
- Acne
- Chronic infections (sinus)
- Poor growth in children
- Bowing of the legs (in children – AKA rickets)
Additionally, vitamin D helps regulate a number of vital body functions. Deficiency has been linked to bone loss, muscle atrophy, autoimmune disease, multiple forms of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The diagram below illustrates many of these functions.
From: Holick, Michael. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:362–71.
Are you at risk?
New research on vitamin D shows that the average person needs between 2,000 and 6,000 IU of vitamin D per day! Many nutritionist recommend large amounts of dairy as a source of vitamin D. Unfortunately, trying to get your vitamin D by eating dairy is the equivalent of trying to spit out a forest fire! Protect yourself by getting adequate sunshine daily. Have your doctor measure your 25 OH D levels (vitamin D blood test) to assess you for deficiency.You can acquire pharmaceutical grade vitamin D here.
Anne C –
I love this vitamin D. My two small kids use it especially during the Winter to prevent colds and flues.
Alan (verified purchase) –
It works, i feel more energized. Also it is tasteless and really easy to take.
Meri (verified purchase) –
I couldn’t believe how hard it was to find a Vitamin D supplement that didn’t have all the things I’m trying to avoid per Dr Osborne’s book. I am SO thankful I started this liquid Vitamin D. It’s so easy to get the dose I need, I take two different doses daily. Love this!
Melissa –
Do you recommend taking vitamin k2 mk-7 with vitamin d3?
Thank you!
Tom (verified purchase) –
I can’t wait to get my follow up test to see my levels increase. And again this is known to be free of gluten and corn and bad stuff, and it really is not expensive at all considering. I take this religiously. I will adjust dose once I see my new levels and get at least 10 min of direct sun or more once this is running around my blood stream! 🙂 Seems to have helped my wife as well, as we were both rock bottom Vitamin D deficient. Like everyone else.
Kimberely Burnell (verified purchase) –
Just started it. Seems good so far.
Lori (verified purchase) –
Seems great so far! Going to try other supplements!!
JENNIFERSTEINBERG (verified purchase) –
I continually read and watch webinars on the importance of Vitamin D in maintaining good health, including, prevention of cancer and autoimmune illnesses. Supplementing with this seemed to be a no brainer. I will decrease use during summer months, as my natural sun exposure increases naturally, and my numbers were too high last year supplementing while sunbathing. Easy to use. Affordable. Tasteless.
Jean (verified purchase) –
So easy to use and especially happy it is a liquid as I am certain I am not properly absorbing my nutrients or vitamins in a capsule form.
Kate (verified purchase) –
I have not experienced any difference yet. But I am pleased that is in liquid form.
Gaby (verified purchase) –
Very happy with product. Super easy to add to food (shakes right now). Delighted to find a gluten free source of vitamins & supplements that I trust.
Susan (verified purchase) –
My Vitamin D level was at 27. When I told my sister, she urged me to get on this product. I have been taking 10 drops a day for the past three weeks and my energy is on the rise. I used to be so fatiqued that I just didn’t want to do anything and now I am walking 2 miles a day. My skin no longer itches, either. Even when I took the prescription Vita D, I did not see any difference and it made my stomach upset. But this Vitamin D does not bother me and I am noticing a big difference.
Mary (verified purchase) –
After my diagnosis, I discovered that I had very low levels of vitamin D. Liquid VItamin D is easy to take and it easily increased my vitamin D level to where it should be and has allowed me to maintain an appropriate vitamin D level. Thank you!
Velda Garrison (verified purchase) –
It’s gluten free and It works
Donna (verified purchase) –
after seeing Dr.Osborn’s video on our need of Vitamin D, I was convinced I definitely needed more in my life than I was getting
Maile M Espinda (verified purchase) –
Great vitamin D supplement! Smooth and easy to take.
Donna (verified purchase) –
since I started taking this…..there has been steady progress, and a steady decrease in most of my back pain and stiffness…..as well as other problems….I’d never be without it now….easy to take
Lou Ann (verified purchase) –
I live in a very gloomy place and have low D…. I use liquid because I have colitis and have trouble absorbing pills. It’s very easy to take. I would buy again.
Toni –
Doctors have been after me for decades to take vit d and I couldn’t find any that was actually celiac safe. Until now. I’ve only been using it for about 10 days, but no ill effects. My doctor and I are very pleased. Thank you!