Vitamin D 101

Vitamin D is actually a hormone rather than a nutrient. This hormone is needed to absorb calcium from the gut into the bloodstream. Vitamin D is fat-soluble meaning that the body absorbs and retains calcium and phosphorus which are needed to build healthy bones. Studies show vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections, and reduce inflammation, in addition to keeping your immune system healthy, fighting against depression, and supporting a healthy heart and strong muscles.

While it is possible to ingest vitamin D through foods like fatty fish or eggs, it is mainly and most effectively synthesized by human skin exposed to midday sunlight. That is why it is commonly known as the sunshine vitamin. The best way to increase your vitamin D levels is to directly expose your torso with no sunscreen to direct sunlight for at least 10-30 minutes several times a week. Applying sunscreen afterward is recommended depending on your skin sensitivity. However, people with more melanated or darker skin may need more sun time. This is because melanin acts as a natural sunscreen and absorbs the sun’s UV rays to help fight against sunburn and skin cancer. Studies estimate that someone with a darker skin tone may need anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours per day after 3 hours for a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

I am aware that doing this can be hard to obtain year long if you live far from the equator. However, it does give you an excuse to plan a vacation regularly. Doing so will literally do wonders for your mental health. Another way to increase your vitamin D is to take a supplement. However, I definitely would not recommend grabbing just any bottle off the shelf. When a vitamin D supplement is not paired with vitamin K2 it can cause an increase in calcium levels in the body which can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and even a stroke. Vitamin K2

helps your body use calcium properly, and provides a protective effect on the arteries, preventing buildup, which protects the body against cardiovascular disease.

This is why my exclusive, high-quality Ultra Vitamin D supplement is the best on the market. The formula is a perfect combination of vitamin D3 and vitamin k2, allowing your body to receive all the great benefits discussed earlier. I typically recommend taking 1-2 capsules daily for optimal benefits and checking your vitamin D levels 1 to 2 times a year.