There are so many things we don’t know about oils, vitamins, minerals, and many other related health products available out there. What they are, why we need them, where they came from. Wanting to find out more about these substances can be pretty difficult. Most of the write-ups that tell us about them can be boring. Most of the time, you end up having to scroll your way through paragraph after paragraph just to find something interesting.
But now you don’t have to!
Follow our ‘Did you know?’ to find out 20 interesting facts about the different vitamins, minerals, or oils available out there to help your body and mind. All easy to remember and laid out here for you to find!
20 interesting facts about vitamin D
1. Vitamin D was first discovered by researcher Elmer McCollum in 1922.
2. Vitamin D is the only vitamin which can be created within the body. This happens whilst exposed to UV light (ultraviolet light) e.g. the sun, which is why it’s important to take some time to step outside and enjoy the feeling of the sun on your skin.
3. It’s believed that approximately 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in vitamin D.
4. Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble compounds.
a) D2 ergocalciferol (vitamin d2)
b) D3 cholecalciferol (vitamin d3)
5. Vitamin D2 is found in plant products such as cereals and orange juice.
6. Vitamin D3 is found in animal products such as salmon, tuna, sardines, cod liver oil and shrimp.
7. Vitamin D has been added to many food products in our supermarkets to stop deficiency of this vitamin in the community.
8. Vitamin D is available in tablet, liquid, soft gel, and powder form in most health food stores.
9. Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. These are important for making sure your bones are strong and healthy.
10. It also supports the immune system, helping the body fight effectively against disease.
11. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis – a long-term neurological condition that affects the body’s nervous system.
12. It can also reduce the risk of hypertension.
13. People with the optimum level of vitamin D in their body are less at risk of suffering from a stroke and heart failure.
14. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of severe flu.
15. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and type I diabetes.
16. It has also been suggested by a researcher in vitamin D, Michael Holick, that by ensuring your body has high enough levels of the vitamin, you are 75% less at risk of developing cancer.
17. Vitamin D can help alleviate anxiety and depression due to its role in regulating a person’s mood.
18. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
19. The recommended daily amount (RDA) is –
- Aged 1 – 70 years old – 600IU
- Aged over 70 years old – 700IU
20. Vitamin D deficiency leads to
- Rickets
- Osteomalacia
- Osteoporosis
- Tiredness
- Aches
- Weakness
- Hip and pelvis fractures
If you know any more interesting things about vitamin D, let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
