Vitamin D helps keep your bones strong, supports your immune system, and affects your mood. If you live in Alaska, this is especially important because of the state’s extreme weather conditions. During the long, dark winters, your body can’t make vitamin D from sunlight like it normally would.
The high latitude also means that even when it’s sunny, the sun’s rays aren’t strong enough to produce enough vitamin D.
This makes it more likely for people in Alaska to be deficient in vitamin D, which can lead to problems like weak bones and a weakened immune system.
It’s essential to get enough vitamin D to stay healthy, especially in Alaska. But the right amount varies depending on your age, lifestyle, and health conditions. To figure out how much you need, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional or check local guidelines that take into account Alaska’s unique situation.
Recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies by age and demographic. For Alaska residents, limited sunlight exposure during winter months makes supplementation and dietary adjustments crucial:
Infants (0-12 months): 10 mcg (400 IU) per day.
Children (1-13 years): 15 mcg (600 IU) per day.
Teens (14-18 years): 15 mcg (600 IU) per day.
Adults (19-70 years): 15 mcg (600 IU) per day.
Older Adults (71+ years): 20 mcg (800 IU) per day.
Pregnant/Lactating Individuals: 15 mcg (600 IU) per day.
Diet:
Include vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, and fortified products (milk, cereals).
Consider cod liver oil, which is high in vitamin D.
Supplementation:
Use vitamin D3 supplements, especially during winter months when sunlight is scarce.
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosage.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Spend time outdoors during sunny months to boost natural vitamin D synthesis.
Use UV lamps designed for vitamin D production if sunlight exposure is insufficient.
These strategies are particularly important for Alaska residents due to the region’s latitude and prolonged periods of low sunlight. Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels through blood tests can help ensure adequacy.
1www.verywellhealth.com
Due to the state’s extreme weather conditions, particularly during long, dark winters when sunlight is scarce, Alaskans are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. To maintain strong bones, support immune systems, and regulate moods, it’s essential for Alaskans to get enough vitamin D through a combination of diet, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments.
To meet these recommendations, Alaskans can:
Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels through blood tests can help ensure adequacy. It’s crucial for Alaskans to consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on how much vitamin D they should take, as the right amount varies depending on individual factors such as age, lifestyle, and health conditions.