Doctors: Vitamin D Important for Body Function
Doctors say vitamin D plays an important role in making sure the body functions properly. Vitamin D helps absorb dietary calcium and can even help prevent cancer. People can avoid a debilitating condition by keeping calcium levels normal in the body. “Osteoporosis is a major health concern in the US, specifically in the elderly,” said Pharmacist Bart Graves. “The proper use of vitamin D can help prevent that.” Many people who don’t have enough vitamin D in their bodies don’t know until it is too low. Patients don‘t notice most subtle symptoms like bone pain or muscle weakness until the person is extremely deficient. Getting vitamin D can be easy. “We can get it from our diet,” said Graves. “We can get it from supplements or we can get it from the sunshine.” Doctors can perform a simple blood test to find out if a patient is vitamin D deficient. The Kirkland Cancer center will sponsor a free seminar on Vitamin D June 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. People will be able to learn how much Vitamin D they need and how to get it.
