Not All Sunshine–The Reality of Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D is a nutrient we derive from foods and sun exposure as well as a hormone made by our bodies. Essential for our health, knowing how to take it is key.
One in five Americans regularly reach for vitamin D supplements, yet most are unaware that they’re taking not just a vitamin— but a hormone.
While renowned for bolstering bone strength and immune health, vitamin D’s story is not straightforward. A blend of myth and established science invites a closer look into its true nature and impact.
Vitamin D: Understanding Its Dual Role
Vitamin D stands apart in the world of nutrients. It’s a sun-sourced substance acting as both a nutrient and a hormone. This dual role is significant, as hormones, which orchestrate many bodily functions, aren’t typically taken as supplements like vitamins.
Sheramy Tsai
Author
Sheramy Tsai, BSN, RN, is a seasoned nurse with a decade-long writing career. An alum of Middlebury College and Johns Hopkins, Tsai combines her writing and nursing expertise to deliver impactful content. Living in Vermont, she balances her professional life with sustainable living and raising three children.
