2015

Vitamin D:  The Superhero of Vitamins (and why we need more of it)

Vitamin D: The Superhero of Vitamins (and why we need more of it)
[caption id="attachment_19439" align="alignright" width="400"] Vitamin D gives us all a boost Vitamin D gives us all a boost[/caption]

When you think superhero, chances are a caped crusader like Superman or Batman pops into your head. They are men of strength and fortitude, and they helpful and good, but often overlooked unless needed.  If a vitamin could be a superhero, it would have to be Vitamin D. While Vitamin C and E are more popular, and they both have great qualities, Vitamin D almost puts them to shame with its greatness – much of which is often overlooked.

Vitamin D is essential to having your body function correctly, and if you can’t get enough from your diet or sun exposure, you will need to supplement – it is that important.

What does Vitamin D do for the body exactly ?


Well, like any good superhero disguise, it has a secret. It is not a vitamin. [tweet_dis inject="#SmartyPants c/of @SmartyHealth "] Vitamin D is actually a hormone and a fat-soluble nutrient. It is critical for your survival[/tweet_dis] – yes, it’s really that essential. It is often called the “sun vitamin” since the greatest supplier of Vitamin D is the sun. It has a hand in many areas of body functions and its benefits are wide.

Vitamin D’s Super Power Benefits include:


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  • Increased cognition

  • Bone health

  • Immune health

  • Reduced blood pressure

  • Decreases cardiovascular risk

  • Reduces chance of colorectal cancer

  • Reduces bone fractures

  • Aids in fat mass decrease


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  • Reduces asthma flare ups in children

  • Reduces flu risk

  • Improves insulin sensitivity and secretion

  • Increases lean muscle mass

  • Decreases inflammation from lupus

  • Aids absorption of calcium


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  • Decreases symptoms of TB

  • Boosts testosterone

  • Reduces breast cancer risk

  • Reduces risk of Multiple Sclerosis

  • Reduces risk of pancreatic cancer


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VitaminD_Fact_1

As you can see, we’re definitely dealing with a super vitamin.

So, what can happen when we are dealing with a Vitamin D deficiency?



  • Growth can be hindered in children

  • Weakened bones leading to fractures and breaks

  • Osteoporosis

  • Increased risk of several cancers

  • Weakened immune system

  • Increased illnesses

  • Weakened muscles


Unfortunately, a superhero needs to be called upon to help and although Vitamin D is ready for action, the call is not coming in. Millions of people are deficient in Vitamin D. There are a few very good reasons for this, and luckily they are things that can be changed.

2 Reasons Many People are Difficient in Vitamin-D


Reason 1: The first issue is the sun


Yes, the sun is the mighty Vitamin D provider, but humans have been less than receptive to this wonderful benefit as the threat of skin cancer has increased. Sunscreen, clothing to cover from the sun, and just plain staying in the shade has resulted in a huge lack of Vitamin D. While laying out in the sun to increase your Vitamin D absorption isn’t the best idea, simply spending a few minutes a day in the sunshine can make a huge difference in your Vitamin D levels. In fact, just standing outside in the sun for two ten-minute periods is almost enough to meet your recommended daily allowance. Be smart about it – don’t go out in the hottest part of the day. The morning and evening sun are just as effective, yet less harsh.

Salmon is a Great Source of Natural Vitamin D

Reason 2: The second issue is food with Vitamin D.


Foods containing Vitamin D are not the most plentiful. They are there, but not widely used as a part of the average diet and they may still not completely meet the recommended and required daily amount of Vitamin D.

Foods that contain good levels of Vitamin D include:


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  • Salmon

  • Tuna

  • Herring

  • Sardines

  • Pork

  • Beef Liver


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  • Egg Yolks

  • Swiss Cheese

  • Ricotta Cheese

  • Tofu

  • Sun Grown Mushrooms


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[caption id="attachment_19392" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Foods with Vitamin D [Image care of WebMD ][/caption]These foods are natural suppliers of vitamin D. Allergies, being vegetarian or vegan can all effect which, if any, of these food you eat. And of course, while these are all good sources of Vitamin D, they alone are not enough. The good news is that a lot of foods available are fortified with Vitamin D (or have added Vitamin D). Milk, cheeses, breakfast cereals, and many others have added Vitamin D because of its importance and the knowledge of a worldwide deficiency. Again, the fortification is excellent, but most likely not enough. This is where supplementation steps up to fill in the gaps.

[caption id="attachment_19443" align="aligncenter" width="618"] A few SUPER powered gummies from Smarty Pants.... will give you wings! (some results may vary) A few SUPER powered gummies from Smarty Pants.... will give you wings! (some results may vary)[/caption]

Supplementation through a multivitamin like Smarty Pants that is rich in Vitamin-D and all other essential vitamins, minerals and fiber is a great first step. When coupled with eating foods rich in naturally occurring Vitamin-D, you'll make sure you begin to reach the daily recommended minimums. It goes without saying, any supplements you opt to try, do your due diligence and research the company before you start pill popping - not all supplements are created equal (literally).

[box type="shadow" align="aligncenter" class="" width=""]Love this video -- Vitamin-D makes everyday fun!



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If you are unsure of your Vitamin-D levels, I highly recommend getting a blood test done  so that your GP or Naturopath can recommend a daily Vitamin-D dosage that is perfect for you. When I did this I learned that I was severely Vitamin-D deficient and now take 10,000 IU's per day. It has made such a drastic difference in my overall health and well-being, wish I had been checked for my Vitamin-D levels ages ago. (Better late than never though!)

Vitamin D is, without a doubt, is a superhero vitamin.


The vast and essential ways it can help your body to be strong for not only now, but in the future, are clear. Be sure this superhero vitamin is a part of your daily routine to help make your body super.
If you liked this post, be sure to check out the following in this 6 part series:


[tweet_box inject="#SmartyPants c/of @SmartyHealth" design="box_12"]To all my little Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, take your vitamins and you will never go wrong. ~ Hulk Hogan[/tweet_box]

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you are awesome - really This is my disclaimer

“Just so you know, I have been compensated to share my ideas on this topic. Sometimes it is in the form of products, or services or even money… But here’s the thing; I won’t  share anything with you that I don’t fully support. It doesn't matter what it is, or how much they are willing to give me, if I don’t believe in it, It won’t be on my site. Seriously. You’ll just have to trust me on this.”   ~ Moose

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Sources Cited:


  1. Nutritiondata.self.com

  2. Mayoclinic.org

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