Vitamin D is important to your health, bones, and growth. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that absorbs calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. It’s estimated that 1 billion people (globally) are Vitamin D deficient.
As a caregiver, it’s important to make sure you and your companion keep up a healthy Vitamin D level because studies have shown that it can help decrease feelings of depression and increase energy levels. Low Vitamin D levels can result in soft bones, which can increase injuries in aging adults and puts you at risk for cardiovascular and neurological disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
The most natural way to get Vitamin D is by exposing your bare skin to sunlight. On sunny days, take walks outside or hang outside in the backyard or on a sun exposed porch. Be cautious and avoid getting burned. Being exposed 15 to 20 minutes a day is all you need to help increase your Vitamin D level.
Certain foods contain Vitamin D and are easy to add to your diet. The following foods have excellent sources of Vitamin D:
- Fatty fish
- Beef liver
- Egg yolks
- Fortified milk and orange juice
- Fortified cereals
- Infant formula
