One of the most common complaints that I hear from my patients is fatigue. There are a variety factors that can cause fatigue; however, the one that is most common in Seattle is Hypovitaminosis D, better known as vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be mostly obtained through sun exposure and food. Food sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel; beef liver; cheese; and egg yolks.

There are several groups who commonly have Vitamin D deficiencies:  
- People who do not live in sunny areas, such as our beautiful Seattle.
-The elderly, as their skin is unable to synthesize Vitamin D effectively.
-Patients who have darker skin, because darker skin has more melatonin in the epidermal layer.
-People with inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions that have fat malabsorption issues because of vitamin D being a fat-soluble vitamin.
-People who are obese, since the subcutaneous fat confiscate more of the vitamin D that is synthesized in skin and changes its release into the blood circulation.

A Vitamin D deficiency not only causes fatigue, but also puts patients at risk for a variety of other health conditions. These conditions include: osteoporosis, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, frequent cold/flu, and increases risk of autoimmune disease.

Obtaining adequate Vitamin D solely from food sources is difficult. Sunlight is the best route to get our Vitamin D, but here in Seattle, this is really only a possibility in the summer months. Adequate Vitamin D levels are then best obtained through supplementation.

As a fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin D is absorbed more effectively when taken with Vitamin K. Here at SageMED, we have a specially formulated Vitamin D3 K2 supplement, which enables patients to efficiently absorb Vitamin D at higher levels than traditional over the counter capsules. The exact dosing of Vitamin D needed is dependent on a patient’s  current level, which can be checked through a simple blood test.

Schedule with us today to check your Vitamin D level and take a proactive approach to your health!