Over the years I learned how essential Vitamin D truly is, especially for me as a black woman.
Vitamin D, is an important nutrient that plays a huge role in your overall health and well-being. However, research shows that black women are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency due to various factors such as our melanin skin tone, limited sun exposure, and dietary habits.
In 2017, I took a routine trip to my primary care doctor and tested my blood. I was soon informed I was deficient in vitamin D. My doctor stressed to me it was important that I incorporated OTC vitamin D supplements to not only improve my levels overall, but to maximize on my mental health, energy levels, and immune system.
In this blog, I will discuss five reasons why black women should increase their vitamin D levels.
1. ...helps build stronger bones and teeth
Vitamin D plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. We, as black women, are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, due to lower bone density. Sufficient vitamin D levels can help prevent or delay the cause of osteoporosis and improve bone health.
2. ...reduces risk of chronic diseases
Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. We, as black women are at a higher risk of developing these diseases compared to other ethnicities, and increasing vitamin D levels can help reduce this risk incredibly.
3. ...improves immune function
Vitamin D plays a huge role in the functioning of your immune system, helping to prevent and fight infections. Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. We as black women may be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency which causes us to be at a higher risk of developing these infections. Sufficient vitamin D levels can help improve immune function and reduce the risk of infections.
4. ...better mood and mental health
Vitamin D has been known to play a role in the balance of your mood and mental health. Studies have found that low vitamin D levels correlates with an increased risk of depression and other mood disorders. We, as black women, are at a higher risk of developing depression and other mental health conditions, which is why increasing your vitamin D levels may help improve your mood and overall mental well-being.
5. ...improves pregnancy outcomes
Vitamin D plays a vital role in fetal development and has been linked to improved pregnancy outcomes such as reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. We, as black women are at a higher risk of these outcomes compared to other ethnicities, which again, is why increasing your vitamin D levels during pregnancy may help improve these outcomes.
As a result, vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of black women, and can improve your bone health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve immune function, enhance mood and mental health, and improve pregnancy outcomes. It is so important for us to consider adding vitamin D in our everyday routine to ensure we are getting the amount we need to maintain our overall health!
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