This constant dark rainy weather in the North East is making me SAD!!! I'm upping my vitamin D3 to 5000 international units a day. It's a cheap safe way to lift those weather related blues. Low vitamin D has long been linked to depression.Experts now believe a lack of vitamin D might also contribute to other mental health problems such as personality disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Recent studies have shown that vitamin D3, the form found in health-food stores, is the preferred form . Let me explain, supplemental vitamin D comes in two forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 is a more potent form of vitamin D, vitamin D2 has a shorter shelf life, and its metabolites bind with protein poorly, making it less effective.
Oddly, the form of vitamin D used in prescription products is the less bio-available D2.
If you're already taking a D supplement, look at the bottle...if it's D3 you're all set and it's safe to take 5000iu's a day.
D3 comes in many fun forms now...peppermint or chocolate chewables, topical creams, liquids and soft gels. Best of all, it's inexpensive. Cheap, safe and your bones will be happier too!
