If you listen to the news often or pick up a magazine or two, you’ll likely hear a lot about vitamin D. But why is this vitamin important—and how much of it do we really need?

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia wants to share some insight about this essential vitamin and how you can get enough to support good health. Read on as we take a look.

Why Is Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is that vitamin D is needed to help your body properly absorb the calcium it needs to keep your bones healthy and strong.

But vitamin D is also important because it helps your body absorb other vitamins and it helps boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick.

Foods That Are High in Vitamin D

• Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel and salmon
• Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk and cereals
• Beef liver
• Cheese
• Egg yolks

How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?

This question’s a little tricky to answer, because there’s no definitive consensus on the subject. But what is known is that you definitely need vitamin D for optimal health, both physically and mentally.

The best way to know if you’re getting enough vitamin D is to have your doctor check your level. If your level shows a deficiency, your doctor can recommend ways to boost your intake of this essential vitamin.

Ways to Get More Vitamin D

• Spend time in sunlight.
• Include egg yolks in your diet.
• Eat fortified foods.
• Take a supplement, if recommended by a doctor.
• Try a UV lamp.
• Consume fatty fish and seafood.
• Eat more mushrooms.

Wondering whether you’re in your best health? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Gastonia today for a checkup, including a blood work panel!