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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is vitamin d important for our bone health?

    Related Topic
    Osteoporosis & Bone Health
    Today I read an article that Vitamin D is a common deficiency for Australians, not surprising because we are constantly told to stay out of the harmful sun?..Isn't vit D important for our bones??
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Georgina Fisher
    • Chris Fonda
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  • Dr Georgina Fisher

    Osteopath

    Georgina has 7 years of experience as a professional Osteopath, her clinic Middle Park Osteopathic Clinic is based in Park Street St Kilda West. She … View Profile

    Vitamin D allows our body to absorb calcium, therefore without Vitmain D our bones and teeth can't stay nice and strong becuase the calcium cannot be absorbed as well to keep them that way. I hope this helps.

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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Did you know that vitamin D is actually classified as a hormone? The inactive form is located under our skin in the subcutaneous fat layer. When sunlight hits our skin, it enables the inactive form of vitamin D to travel through the body to the liver and kidney to be activated. Once activated as Dr Georgina has said, it allows us to better absorb the calcium from our foods to keep our bones healthy and strong.

    Unfortunately due to the fear of skin cancer, many Australians do not achieve the adequate amounts of vitamin D from the sun. You only need 15-20min of low sun exposure per day (outside the hours of 10-3pm) to get the right amounts. Vitamin D is also available in some food products but in very low amounts (you would have to eat alot to get the recommended intake). Foods which contain vitamin D include; oily fish, some milks, butter, margarine, eggs (from vitamin D supplemented hens), various nuts and seeds.

    You may consider a vitamin D supplement, however make sure you check with your doctor or Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) to make sure your not overdosing on this very important hormone :)

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