Optimizing Vitamin D Levels for Bone Health

Did you know that vitamin D is not actually a vitamin, but a prohormone? It's produced in the body in response to sun exposure and certain foods and supplements, and it can also be included in IV infusion vitamins for those who may be deficient. And here's the kicker: vitamin D insufficiency is found in 50% of the worldwide population due to lifestyle, environmental factors, and lack of vitamin D food groups.

Vitamin D is unique because it can be made in the skin from exposure to sunlight. It exists in two forms, vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is found naturally in sun-exposed mushrooms, while vitamin D3 is most commonly produced in response to sun exposure or oil-rich fish, making it the more "natural" form.

What Happens if You Don't Get Enough Vitamin D?
Without the proper amount of Vitamin D, your body is only able to absorb 10-15% of dietary calcium and about 50% of phosphorus. That's not good news for your bones. But that's not all. Your body may also respond in other ways, such as:

Regular sickness or infection
Fatigue
Bone and back pain
Low mood
Impaired wound healing
Hair loss
Muscle pain
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

Darker skin tones and sunscreen reduce the ability to absorb UVB rays, which prevents the skin from producing Vitamin D. In fact, sunscreen alone can reduce the body's ability to synthesize Vitamin D by a whopping 95%.
Geography also plays a role. If you live in the north, where there's a lot of pollution, work at night, or are homebound, you are more prone to being Vitamin D deficient.
And let's not forget about breastfeeding. Infants who exclusively breastfeed need a Vitamin D supplement, especially if they have darker skin or minimal sun exposure.
Can You Just Get Vitamin D from the Sun?
Yes, your body produces Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun. But here's the catch: skin tone affects the production of Vitamin D.