So most of us have heard the low-down on Vitamin D – but there’s a few things you might not know.

For one thing, its technically a hormone and NOT a Vitamin.

Vitamin D plays a huge role in our immune system function and although our Vitamin D production is naturally stimulated by sunlight exposure, we need a few more other things to happen alongside that to maximise this process.

Our bodies ability to convert Vitamin D into an activated form that is available to the body can be affected by certain body processes, such as inflammation. Unfortunately those who have a higher body fat percentage, who suffer from systemic conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol as well as individuals who are taking a few specific types of medication may be more at risk of having lower Vitamin D levels.

Sufficient Vitamin D levels are essential for bone health as it allows for Calcium to be absorbed by your body and used to strengthen your bones. Therefore lower levels contribute to a higher incidence of bone injuries and low bone density. It also has been linked to various auto-immune disorders.

Another key function of Vitamin D is in promoting healthy happy neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that float around in our body and help our nerves relay messages between one another and basically allow our whole body to communicate. Due to this role, Vitamin D can be one of the reasons why people develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some of you may have heard how people are more likely to be depressed in winter, and this is why! Cold winter days equals less sunlight exposure and lower Vitamin D levels.

Speak to one of our practitioners if you are worried about your Vitamin D levels.

Your practitioner will be able to advise you on the best brands of Vitamin D to get that good quality, ‘activated’ version that your body can utilise.