Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Where the sun is scarce during the winter. The lack of sunlight can cause problems in some people. Did you know that your body naturally produces Vitamin D? But you need the sun to produce it! Why is Vitamin D important? The winter months, especially in Portland, Oregon, can cause a disorder known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. The short days and little sunlight can also cause a deficiency in Vitamin D.

Why is Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium supports the building of healthy and strong bones. Insufficient amounts of Vitamin D in children can lead to a disease called Rickets. Rickets is a softening of the bones which leads to fractures or deformities. In adults, Vitamin D and Calcium are important in preventing osteoporosis and osteopenia. These conditions leave your bones brittle and easy to break.

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Other uses for Vitamin D

There are many other reasons to answer the question: Why is Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D has also been shown to help with muscle aching and recovery.
There has been some research showing that Vitamin D supplementation can help with symptoms of SAD.
Sun Lamps are another solution to help with SAD but Sun Lamps don’t help with Vitamin D levels.
Research has shown a link between low Vitamin D and depression.
Vitamin D has also been shown to impair the growth of cancer cells.
MS (multiple sclerosis) rates are much higher in people living far away from the equator. A link between Vitamin D and autoimmune diseases is being studied.

Vitamin D Supplements

Current recommendations suggest 400-600 IU of Vitamin D daily. But current research shows that you may need up to 1000-4000 IU daily if you are living in the Northern United States.

You can get Vitamin D from some foods, like salmon, tuna, eggs, or fortified foods (milk, cereal, bread, etc). The problems is that these foods provide FAR under the levels needed for winter time Pacific Northwest.

You can get Vitamin D supplements almost everywhere in Portland. The most important things to consider when selecting a Vitamin D supplement are:

Form of the vitamin. *Best is Vitamin D3 in the form of cholecalciferol*
Quality *Sometimes it is hard to know which companies use quality vitamins. I know Centrum products usually do not.*
Delivery system *I prefer liquid or emulsified Vitamin D. This provides exceptional absorption.*

Dr. Cooper, Alex, and many of our patients take Biotics Research Vitamin D during the winter months. The delivery system allows for you to drop the liquid under your tongue for maximum absorption. We carry this product in our Portland office for patient ease.

vitamin d important portland oregon chiropractor chris cooper

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Dr. Chris Cooper is a chiropractor in Portland, Oregon serving Portland and the surrounding cities of Vancouver, Beaverton, Gresham, Clackamas, and Milwaukie. He can provide complementary Vitamin D consultation by calling the office at (503) 257-1324. The office is located at 522 SE Belmont St, in Portland, Oregon. You can request and appointment here.