In winter, We usually experience drowsiness, sneezing and runny nose and become more vulnerable to illness. Meanwhile, our muscle strength seems to lose more easily in winter as well. A study analyzed why we tend to feel weaker and in lack of strength in winter, and the result indicates that it’s relevant to the inadequate vitamin D absorption and the sequent calcium loss in winter.
What does Vitamin D do in our Body?
Vitamin D plays an important role in supporting your immune system. Good immunity not only responds fast and effectively to infection and inflammation but also maintains itself at an appropriate level so that the immune system does not attack its own body cells and tissues. Studies show that Vitamin D may have several positive activities in slowing down the progression of or preventing cancer, including supporting cellular differentiation, inhibiting cancer cell growth, stimulating normal cell death and reducing growth of blood vessel that feeds tumor. Vitamin D is generally known for its function of supporting calcium absorption and bone homeostasis. It controls the breakdown and absorption of calcium in human body. Calcium intake from various food source can not effect on our body without sufficient vitamin D. Bone homeostasis is the dynamic equilibrium maintained by the regulatory actions of two key bone cells, osteoclasts and osteoblasts. When osteoclasts degrade bone to initiate normal bone remodeling, osteoblasts is responsible for the formation of bone tissue. This bone homeostasis maintains the normal bone mass in human body.
How does Winter Affect Vitamin D Absorption?
Skin produces the majority of vitamin D in human body. When you are exposed to sunlight, skin turns cholesterol to vitamin D, so vitamin D is also called the sunshine vitamin. Generally, spending 15-30 minutes in the sun around midday for 3-4 times a week will produce an adequate level of vitamin D for an adult. However, the sunlight reduces in winter for various reasons. Firstly, day time shortens which results in the reduction in sunlight. Secondly, sunlight becomes indirect as the earth tilts, providing weaker ultraviolet rays. Also, People spend more time indoors to keep warm in winter and reduce exposure to sunlight. Since winter do not provide enough support for vitamin D production, taking extra vitamin D supplements will replenish the condition and prevent the related calcium loss.
Calcium Loss and Risk
If a person has Vitamin D deficiency, he must have suffered from calcium loss as well. Calcium is essential for bone growth and maintenance. Low calcium level in bones makes it brittle and prone to fracture. If the calcium deficiency continues over time, permanent bone lose and osteoporosis will occur. In winter, older postmenopausal women are at higher risk of fracture, contributing to a great number of morbidity and mortality. Besides bone strength, calcium supports many other body functions, such as gum&teeth health, nails& hair strength, muscle contraction and physical performance. Low calcium level could make you feel extremely fatigue and sluggish.
Supplement to Prevent Calcium Loss in Winter
GNC Calcium Citrate 1000mg 180 Caplets
Calcium Citrate is a highly absorbable form of calcium. As no gastric acid is required to digest it, GNC calcium citrate cause less stomach reactions such as burping and constipation. GNC calcium citrate also attends to people with malabsorption and people who has little gastric acid.
Some people have taken calcium supplement in various forms for a while but do not seem to increase the calcium level. In this case, it is necessary to take a blood test and check the vitamin D level in the body. People born with weaker vitamin D synthesis ability are recommended to take extra vitamin D supplement for the long term. GNC coral calcium 180 tablets is made with pure natural coral calcium, with Vitamin D-3 and the ideal calcium to magnesium ratio, it supports bone and muscle health and prevent osteoporosis.
Winter may trigger vitamin D deficiency and calcium loss, taking extra health supplement is a great precaution to maintain health and avoid accidental injury. GNC commits to meeting the highest standards of quality. We hope to present the healthier lifestyle and a more scientific plan to improve health. Safety and efficacy makes us superior.