Are you Vitamin D deficient? What is your number?

This is not the first time I am talking about vitamin D and deficiency and those who know me have heard this often enough. And it will not be the last time either. I cannot stress the importance of maintaining high enough therapeutic levels of this important vitamin. There is no cookie cutter approach to supplementing- people vary widely.

Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in the US, but many Americans believe they aren't at risk because they are eating vitamin-D-fortified foods. There are very few foods that actually have therapeutic levels of vitamin D naturally. Fortified foods do not contain enough vitamin D to support your health needs. Did you know that vitamin D is not a vitamin? It's actually a hormone. Vitamin D, along with calcium, helps build bones and keep bones strong and healthy. But did you know that vitamin D is also important for other body functions? Vitamin D plays a role in muscle function and the immune system. The immune system is your body's defense system; it helps protect it against infections and illnesses. Your immune system is the most important thing you own.

Sufficient levels of Vitamin D reduce your risk of disease by strengthening your immune system. Vitamin D activates key peptides in your immune system that trigger an immune response allowing your body to quickly and effectively fight off foreign invaders before they can develop into a full-blown infection. Researchers have shown that increasing levels of vitamin D3 among the general population could prevent chronic diseases. Research has been focused on the consequences of vitamin D deficiency and have found an alarming number of health issues. These include diseases such as osteoporosis, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, psychological disorders, cognitive disorders, obesity, and or mortality.

It should be noted that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in adults of all ages who always wear sun screen (which blocks vitamin D production). Those of who are at also a greater risk of deficiency are people with darker skin (such as those whose ancestors are from Africa, the Middle East, or India) as are the elderly.

In the US, approximately 41% of the population is D deficient. It's also estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood. Having you levels checked should be part of your yearly physical. Ask your doctor to check them. Know your number!

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms speak with your doctor and have a blood test done to check your vitamin D levels.

Depression According to the Vitamin D Council, this essential nutrient helps your brain's neurotransmitters produce the fluid serotonin.

Bone Pain Shunning the sun can leave you with a deficiency of Vitamin D. This can lead to bone pain. According to the National Institute of Health, this subtle symptom it can be a sign of a lack of Vitamin D.

Muscle Weakness Muscle weakness is usually caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Muscles have Vitamin D receptors. They must have a constant supply of Vitamin D to function. If your body has a deficiency of Vitamin D your muscles will have trouble functioning as stated by the National Institute of Health.

Constant Respiratory Problems Studies show that Vitamin D may help defend against respiratory illness. This is especially true in children.

Chronic Infections The Mayo Clinic has advised that Vitamin D is crucial to our body's health. It is a necessary vitamin in helping our body fight infections.

Tiredness Vitamin D is one of the necessary vitamins for your body to create energy. Without it you can end up feeling tired most of the day.

Psoriasis Although psoriasis is not always caused by a lack of Vitamin D, it's used in treatment. The Mayo Clinic claims that if you have a lack of the Vitamin D it will be harder for your body to defend itself against psoriasis.

Sweaty Head Years ago doctors used to ask new mothers if their heads were sweating more than normal. NDHealthFacts claims that the reason for this is because it is a tell-tale sign of a lack of Vitamin D is a sweaty head.

Hypertension Harvard University conducted a study on women. The study showed that women with low levels of Vitamin D have a 67 percent increased risk of hypertension. If you suffer from anxiety you may want to consider purchasing Vitamin D supplements and adding them to your daily routine.

Crankiness Vitamin D also affects the levels of serotonin in your brain, which is what impacts your mood. If you're feeling cranky, it might be because you're not producing enough serotonin!

Reduced Endurance If you're an athlete and you're seeing your endurance decay for no apparent reason, it might be because you have low vitamin D levels.

Chronic Pain Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels impact a person's chances of having chronic pain. People with darker skin are more prone to these effects.

You're 50 If you're 50 or older, chances are you have a vitamin D deficiency. The body simply doesn't produce as much vitamin D in response to sun exposure.

There is no disputing the fact that vitamin D plays a crucial role in our well-being, and many of us have either deficient or insufficient blood levels. Changes to our lifestyle, diet, and regular supplementation are the keys to curbing vitamin D deficiency. Only supplement with D3. Knowing your vitamin D levels is one of the most important tests you can take.

What is your number? Mine is 64.