Why Women Need Vitamin D
Several studies in the past couple of years have suggested that vitamin D deficiency is widespread among women, which make them vulnerable to a number of illnesses.
Reduces risk of breast cancer
Vitamin D plays an important role in cancer prevention. In a study, researchers have found that women who consumed calcium and vitamin D rich diet had little chance of developing breast cancer. Researchers have found that by taking vitamin D supplements, increasing consumption of fish and by sunbathing, the level of vitamin D in the body could be significantly increased.
Increase in the level of vitamin D in the body has a direct impact in lowering the risk of breast cancer. Health experts have also observed that increased intake of vitamin D could increase the survival rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Healthy amount of vitamin D consumption could even reduce the recurrence of breast cancer.
Reduces risk of ovarian cancer
Some studies suggest that it is perhaps possible to prevent ovarian cancer with intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D3, which is synthesized in the body through exposure to sunlight, could help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Premenstrual syndrome remedy
It is estimated that 8 to 20 percent women experience some type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Researchers have found that premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as irritability, loneliness, fear, tension and anxiety could be treated by increasing intake of vitamin D and calcium. In a University of Massachusetts study, it was observed that women who had four servings of dairy products daily were less likely to develop symptoms of PMS.
Good for adolescent girls
In a University of Manchester study, researchers found that vitamin D helps to build muscle power in adolescent girls.
Reduces risk of inflammatory diseases
Researchers have observed women with vitamin D deficiency had a greater risk of developing inflammatory disorders. Diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart diseases triggered by the abnormal response of the immune system could be prevented with adequate intake of vitamin D.
Sources of vitamin D
The UV-B rays of the sun is the cheapest source of vitamin D. Exposing at least 25 percent of your skin to sunlight for about 10 minutes every week for three days could meet your body’s vitamin D requirement. Fatty fish and milk and orange juice fortified with vitamin D are dietary sources of this essential vitamin.
