Vitamin D Deficiency And Premature Grey Hair

Vitamin D Deficiency And Premature Grey Hair

You already know that your body needs vitamin D to build strong and healthy bones—but that's not the only thing the sunshine vitamin has going for it. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium (another crucial bone-builder), plays a role in proper cell growth, and even reduces disease-causing inflammation, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

And the truth is, many of us just simply don't get enough vitamin D. In fact, nearly 42 percent of American adults are deficient, according to a 2011 study published in the journal Nutrition Research. Globally, an estimated 1 billion people don't get adequate amounts of vitamin D.

That's because very few foods naturally contain the stuff. It's called the sunshine vitamin for a reason: a majority of the vitamin D your body produces stems from the sun's ultraviolet rays. That can be a problem if you're consistently wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from cancer or if you live in an area that doesn't get much light—say, the northern U.S. in the dead of winter.

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Luckily, your skin still takes in some vitamin D even when you're wearing sunscreen (and certain foods contain more D than others, so it's not impossible to find in your diet). Neglecting your D intake does come with its own risks, like spiking your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes by two and a half times, says Michael Holick, MD, author of The Vitamin D Solution and professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University Medical Center. Vitamin D deficiency can also increase your risk of depression, certain cancers, dementia, and several other health problems.

Think you might be dipping low in D? Here are the top five signs of vitamin D deficiency—and exactly how to make sure you get enough.

You're sweating more than usual

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It's often difficult to tell if newborns are deficient in D, but a sweaty forehead is one of the first noticeable symptoms, Dr. Holick says. The same rings true for adults, so if you're "glowing" while your activity level remains steady, your body temp is close to 98.6°, and your environment isn't too crazy hot, you may want to consider talking with your doctor about getting your vitamin D levels tested.

You're noticeably (and unexpectedly) weak

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Being deficient in vitamin D can leave you feeling exhausted, even when you're able to get enough sleep. In fact, research finds that people who are deficient in D notice improvements in their fatigue after they get their levels back up.

What's more, muscle strength isn't just a matter of pumping iron. One study from the University of Tulsa found that athletes who had inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood couldn't lift as much weight, run as fast, or jump as far or high, potentially because getting enough vitamin can lead to more powerful muscle contractions.

Harvard researchers have also linked vitamin D supplementation with increased muscle control, resulting in 20 percent fewer falls among adults around 60 years old.

You feel depressed

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Many things can make you feel down, but more and more research is linking true depression with a shortage of vitamin D, especially when it comes to seasonal affective disorder, according to one international review of studies.

While scientists are still trying to figure out why the two are linked, the study authors explain that vitamin D may work in the same areas of the brain—and impact the same feel-good hormones, like serotonin and dopamine—as those that affect your mood.

You're battling random aches and pains

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"It's often subtle, but some experience aches and pains in the bones, known as osteomalacia," says Holick.

Those who are diagnosed with arthritis or fibromyalgia may actually be shy of enough D, as a deficiency can cause joints and muscles to ache. If your discomfort lasts for several weeks, ask your doctor if a vitamin D deficiency could be the cause and if your treatment program should include the vitamin.

You broke a bone

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You stop building bone mass around age 30, and a lack of vitamin D can speed up or worsen osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become fragile and more prone to fracture, according to research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Foods fortified with vitamin D almost eradicated rickets, a weak bone condition that stems from malnutrition. However, "it's nearly impossible for anyone to satisfy vitamin D needs through diet alone," says Dr. Holick.

How to get enough vitamin D

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Because symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be caused by several different health problems or conditions, it's important to have your blood tested first to make sure you're truly deficient.

You could easily get all the vitamin D you need through sun exposure, but the American Academy of Dermatology strongly affirms that wearing an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial if you want to prevent the development of various skin cancers. Remember, your skin likely still takes in a bit of vitamin D even when you're wearing SPF, says the NIH.

Your first step, then, is to load your diet with as much vitamin D as you can. Certain fish—like salmon, swordfish, sardines, and tuna—will be your best sources, but you can also find vitamin D in eggs, cheese, mushrooms, or fortified orange juice, milk, cereal, or yogurt.

Then, if you're still consistently experiencing several of the symptoms above, talk to your doctor. He or she can test your D levels and prescribe a supplement if necessary. Most adults need at least 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day (800 IUs if you're over 70), according to the NIH. Many other organizations recommend a higher dose, though, so work with your doctor to find an amount that works best for you and your needs.

Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic

Karla Walsh Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness.

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Vitamin D Deficiency And Premature Grey Hair

Source: https://www.prevention.com/health/a20433909/symptoms-of-vitamin-d-deficiency/

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Fish Oil Vitamin D Benefits

Fish Oil Vitamin D Benefits

• Definition
  • What Is Vitamin D?
• Benefits
  • What Are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin D?
• Food List
  • What Foods Are Good Sources of Vitamin D?
• Risks
  • What Are Risks of Taking Vitamin D?
• Guide
  • What Are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin D? Topic Guide

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus and suppresses bone loss. Vitamin D also improves muscle and immune function. Low vitamin D levels can cause fatigue.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb dietary calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and suppresses the release of parathyroid hormone, a hormone that causes bone resorption. This serves to keep the bones healthy. Vitamin D is also believed to improve muscle and immune function.

Vitamin D is made in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is also naturally occurring in certain foods such as fatty fish, cod liver oil, and eggs. It is also found on fortified foods such as cow's milk.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin D?

The benefits of taking vitamin D include:

• Bone health and reduced risk of osteoporosis
• Strengthens muscles
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps with immune system function
• Aids in glucose (sugar) metabolism which may help prevent diabetes
• May help reduce the risk of death from breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers
• Helps promote heart health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease
• May help treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
• May help treat depression
• May reduce the risk of contracting multiple sclerosis (MS) and, once MS is present, decrease the risk of relapse and slow the disease's progression
• May help with weight loss
• Lowers the risk of tooth decay and gum disease

What Foods Are Good Sources of Vitamin D?

Foods that are good sources of vitamin D include:

• Seafood
  • Trout
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Tuna
• Meat and poultry
  • Beef liver
  • Chicken breast
  • Ground beef
• Vegetables
  • Mushrooms – white and portabella
• Dairy products
  • Milk, vitamin D fortified
  • Cheddar cheese
• Other
  • Cod liver oil
  • Plant-based milks (e.g. soy, almond, oat), vitamin D fortified
  • Eggs
  • Ready-to-eat cereals, vitamin D fortified

Exposure to sunlight is also another source for vitamin D but too much sun exposure can lead to sunburns, premature skin aging, eye damage, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, or skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about how much sun exposure you may need and how to get exposure safely.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

What Are Risks of Taking Vitamin D?

Excess amounts of vitamin D are toxic. Vitamin D toxicity is unlikely to occur from excessive sun exposure or by eating foods high in vitamin D, but can happen from taking vitamin D supplements inappropriately or in excessive amounts. Excess vitamin D can lead to excess high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and excess calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria).

Hypercalcemia can lead to symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Neuropsychiatric disturbances
• Pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Increased urine production
• Excessive thirst
• Kidney stones

Severe cases of vitamin D toxicity can lead to:

• Renal failure
• Calcification of soft tissues throughout the body (including in coronary vessels and heart valves)
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Death

Fish Oil Vitamin D Benefits

Source: https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_are_the_benefits_of_taking_vitamin_d/article_em.htm

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Vitamin D Sleep Deprivation

Vitamin D Sleep Deprivation

Vitamin D is needed to support healthy bone development and to prevent rickets, a condition that causes weak or deformed bones. Vitamin D deficiency rickets among breastfed infants is rare, but it can occur if an infant does not receive additional vitamin D from foods, a vitamin D supplement, or adequate exposure to sunlight.

Do infants get enough vitamin D from breast milk?

Breast milk alone does not provide infants with an adequate amount of vitamin D. Shortly after birth, most infants will need an additional source of vitamin D.

To avoid developing a vitamin D deficiency, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfed and partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU per day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life. Families who do not wish to provide a supplement directly to their infant should discuss with a healthcare provider the risks and benefits of maternal high dose supplementation options.

Once a child has started eating solid foods, parents can make sure their child is getting enough vitamin D from foods or supplements.

Why are infants at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

The risk for vitamin D deficiency is increased when there is limited exposure to sunlight or when an infant is not consuming an adequate amount of vitamin D. Although reducing sun exposure is important for preventing cancer, it also decreases the amount of vitamin D that a person can make from sunlight.

Other factors that decrease the amount of vitamin D a person can make from sunlight include:

• Living at high latitudes (closer to the polar regions), particularly during winter months.
• High levels of air pollution.
• Dense cloud covering.
• The degree to which clothing covers the skin.
• Use of sunscreen.
• Darker skin types.

Vitamin D Sleep Deprivation

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/vitamin-d.html/

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How To Improve Vitamin D In Your Body

How To Improve Vitamin D In Your Body

• 10 Tips to Increase Vitamin D
  • What are the ten effective ways to increase vitamin D levels?
• How Much Is Needed?
  • How much vitamin D does a body require?
• Center
  • Ten Effective Ways to Increase Vitamin D Intake Center

Ways to Increase Your Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is required to maintain strong bones and muscles. Chronic vitamin D deficiency in adults results in osteoporosis, osteomalacia, muscle weakness, and increased risk of falls. This fat-soluble vitamin primarily aids in calcium absorption, bone growth, and mineralization. It is also involved in the working of the immune system, digestion, heart function, etc. Research suggests that vitamin D may help prevent various illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and heart disease. However, the relationship of vitamin D with these conditions is still poorly understood.

What are the ten effective ways to increase vitamin D levels?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is not received adequately by many people worldwide. Below are ten common effective ways to increase vitamin D levels in the body:

• Sunlight: Vitamin D is often referred to as "the sunshine vitamin." Our skin hosts a type of cholesterol that makes Vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. However, the amount of vitamin D your body can make depends on several parameters like your skin tone, the exposed part of the body, age, etc. Reasonable exposure in sun from 1000 hours to 1500 hours is an excellent way to maintain the body's Vitamin D Levels.
• Seafood: Fatty fish and seafood are among the richest natural food sources of vitamin D. Many kinds of seafood are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, rainbow trout, mackerel, oysters, salmons, sardines, and anchovies).
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the only completely plant-based source of vitamin D. Like humans, mushrooms can make their own vitamin D upon exposure to UV light. Humans produce a form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol}, whereas mushrooms produce D2 (ergocalciferol). However, one should always purchase them from a trusted supplier such as a grocery store or farmers market to avoid exposure to poisonous varieties. Shiitake mushrooms particularly are recommended for vitamin D content.
• Egg yolks: Egg yolks are a common source of vitamin D that can be easily added to the routine diet.
• Fortified foods: Vitamin D may be added to certain foods to increase their nutritive value. This process is called fortification. Some common vitamin D fortified goods include:
  • soy, almond, and hemp milk
  • orange juice
  • ready-to-eat cereals
  • certain types of yogurt
  • tofu
• Dairy foods: Dairy products like swiss cheese, cow milk, curds, cottage cheese are also good Vitamin D sources.
• A tablespoon of cod liver oil contains 1360 international units of vitamin D. Consumption of cod liver oil with warm water or taking cod liver oil capsules may enhance vitamin D levels.
• Supplements: For many people, taking a vitamin D supplement may be the best way to ensure adequate intake. Vitamin D exists in two main biological forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Typically, D2 comes from plants and D3 from animals. Research suggests that D3 may be significantly more effective at raising and maintaining overall vitamin D levels than D2, so a supplement with this form may help in maintaining vitamin D levels in the body. Additionally, it is important to purchase high-quality supplements that have been independently tested.
• Ultraviolet (UV) lamp: Lamps that emit UV-B radiation may also boost vitamin D levels. When skin is exposed to UV-B radiation from the sun, it's able to produce its own vitamin D. UV lamps mimic the action of the sun and can be especially helpful if your sun exposure is limited because of geography or time indoors. UV radiation has been used therapeutically for various skin conditions for decades, but recently, it has been marketed as a way to improve vitamin D levels. Too much exposure may burn the skin. It is recommended to limit the exposure to no more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Daily exercise: Research has proved that people engaging in regular physical activity like walking, jogging, cycling have better Vitamin D levels.

How much vitamin D does a body require?

Usually, 1,000-4,000 IU is considered a safe daily dose for maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D. However, people may need much larger doses especially if their current levels are very low or they have limited exposure to sunlight. The optimal blood level of vitamin D is not concretely established but likely falls between 20 and 50 ng/mL. Calcium supplementation along with Vitamin D consumption is essential for structurally strong bones and muscles.

There is a significant debate about how much vitamin D is needed by the body.

• As per U.S. National Academy of Medicine: 600-800 IU of daily vitamin D is considered to be sufficient for the majority of the population. The U.S. National Academy of Medicine further suggests that a daily intake of up to 4,000 IU of vitamin D is safe for most people, although much higher doses may be temporarily necessary to raise blood levels in some individuals.
• As per U.S. Endocrine Society: 1,500-2,000 IU per day is required for the body.
• As per the Reference Daily Intake: 600-800 IU of vitamin D is recommended for adults.
• Daily consumption of more than 4,000 IU is not recommended, as it may be toxic to the body.

SLIDESHOW

The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See Slideshow

Medically Reviewed on 8/20/2020

References

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Vitamin%20D-HealthProfessional/

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/128762-medication

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-vitamin-d-overview

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835491/

How To Improve Vitamin D In Your Body

Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/ten_effective_ways_to_increase_vitamin_d_intake/article.htm

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Vitamin D For Perimenopause

Vitamin D For Perimenopause

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Experts are researching if vitamin D deficiency is linked to severe COVID-19 symptoms. Jasmin Merdan / Getty Images

• Several studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to coronavirus infection and more severe COVID-19.
• Experts are now investigating if taking vitamin D may help protect against severe COVID-19 symptoms.
• Even before these studies are finished, there are good reasons to consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub and follow our live updates page for the most recent information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

With no coronavirus vaccines approved for full use, many people are turning to vitamins and other supplements to bolster their immune system and help them fight off COVID-19.

While plenty of posts on social media push these supplements as personal coronavirus shields, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cautioned last month that most "so-called immune boosting supplements" actually do "nothing."

However, there is one supplement that may be of use to the immune system — vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin."

"If you are deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection," Fauci said in an Instagram Live interview with actress Jennifer Garner. "So I would not mind recommending — and I do it myself — taking vitamin D supplements."

Fauci was not speaking about COVID-19 specifically, but about vitamin D's general role in supporting the immune system — in particular, about the benefits of this nutrient for people who are deficient.

Right now, the National Institutes of Health says there's not enough evidence to show that vitamin D can prevent or treat COVID-19.

But there is enough evidence that scientists are exploring the benefits of this and other supplements against the coronavirus.

Earlier research showed that vitamin D reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections other than COVID-19. The benefits varied quite a bit among these studies, but vitamin D supplementation seemed to be more helpful for people who were deficient in this nutrient.

More recent research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of coronavirus infection and severity of COVID-19.

For example, some studies found that COVID-19 deaths tend to be higher in countries farther away from the equator, where many people are deficient in vitamin D due to the reduced amount of sunlight, especially during winter.

"We make vitamin D by being exposed to sunlight, and in the colder months people can become deficient," said Nicole Avena, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Many factors could account for the greater number of COVID-19 cases in more northerly latitudes. But a study published last month in JAMA Network Open reinforces the importance of vitamin D for a healthy immune system.

"In our study, patients who have lower vitamin D levels were more likely to test positive for COVID-19," said study author Dr. David Meltzer, a professor of medicine at The University of Chicago Medicine.

This trend still held when they tried to control for other factors — age, obesity, other medical conditions — that might worsen COVID-19 and are linked to lower vitamin D levels.

Other studies show that patients with lower vitamin D levels who are diagnosed with COVID-19 tend to have worse outcomes.

One of these was published last month in PLoS ONE. Researchers found that people hospitalized for COVID-19 who were deficient in vitamin D were more likely to have severe symptoms or die from COVID-19.

Not all research, though, supports the link between vitamin D and COVID-19.

A UK biobank study published earlier this year in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews found no link between vitamin D levels and coronavirus infection.

However, Meltzer and his colleagues pointed out in their paper that the UK researchers measured vitamin D levels up to 14 years before COVID-19 testing and didn't look at whether people had been treated with vitamin D since then.

This could have weakened the observed link between vitamin D levels and coronavirus infection, they wrote.

Scientists are also eyeing other nutrients as potential treatments for COVID-19, including zinc and vitamin C, both touted for their cold-fighting benefits.

In one study, researchers from Spain reported that patients with low blood levels of zinc were more likely to die from COVID-19.

Their results were presented last week at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (ESCMID) Conference on Coronavirus Disease. This research has not been peer-reviewed, so it should be viewed with some caution.

All of these studies are observational, meaning researchers collected data on people over time, rather than assigning people to different treatments. That makes it impossible to show a cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19.

What's needed are randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the "gold standard" of clinical research. Some of these are already underway.

In one study carried out in Spain, researchers gave calcifediol, an active form of vitamin D, to 50 people hospitalized with COVID-19. Another group of 26 patients didn't receive vitamin D.

All patients were treated equally with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin.

Only one of the patients treated with vitamin D ended up in the intensive care unit, while half of the untreated patients did.

"There are some imperfections [to the study] — it's not a very large study, there are some slight imbalances between the groups — but it's pretty impressive," said Meltzer.

While this study used vitamin D to treat people who already had COVID-19, Meltzer says the nutrient might work equally well at keeping people out of the hospital.

"One possibility is that vitamin D is not preventing COVID-19," he said, "but is causing people who are infected to have such minimal symptoms that they never get tested, never get found."

More research is needed to know if this is true.

Two randomized controlled trials starting at the University of Chicago should provide some answers. In both, people will be treated with vitamin D and then followed to see if they contract the coronavirus and how severe their symptoms are.

One trial focuses on healthcare workers. The other will recruit people from the community, with an emphasis on enrolling Black and Hispanic people, who are at high risk for both vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19.

At the Cleveland Clinic, researchers are enrolling people into a study to see if vitamin C or zinc — or a combination of the two — can reduce the duration of COVID-19 symptoms. Patients will be given the supplements after they have tested positive for COVID-19.

How soon results are available from these studies depends on how quickly researchers can enroll people into the studies. Meltzer says study volunteers are essential for the success of COVID-19 research.

"People who can enter clinical trials do a tremendous service to society," he said.

Although Meltzer is enthusiastic about the potential benefits of vitamin D, he cautions that we won't really know until the randomized controlled trials are finished.

"This doesn't mean we should let down our guard or not do any of the other things we're doing," he said. "I certainly wouldn't stop wearing a mask and go to a big party thinking everything was going to be OK because I was taking vitamin D."

Even before these studies are finished, there are good reasons to consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

"The vast majority of Americans are vitamin D deficient and could probably benefit from some modest level of vitamin D supplementation, at very little risk," said Meltzer.

In the United States, an estimated 41 percent of adults are deficient in vitamin D. People with darker skin are at greater risk — 63 percent of Hispanic people and 82 percent of Black people have low vitamin D levels.

Other factors increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency, including age, limited sun exposure, obesity, and certain medical conditions.

Avena says it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from foods. "So taking a supplement may be advised," she says, "but always check with your doctor first."

Meltzer says he takes 4,000 international units (IU) per day. The National Institutes of Health says this is the upper limit of what is safe for the vast majority of people.

"Don't consume more than 4,000 IU per day of vitamin D without your doctor's permission," said Avena. "It exceeds the safe upper limits of intake."

Larger doses can be toxic and should only be taken under medical supervision.

Avena says zinc may also be helpful once you feel symptoms of a cold coming on.

She recommends taking between 13.3 milligrams and 23 milligrams of zinc every 2 hours while you have cold symptoms, but no longer than 1 week. This is the dose found in over-the-counter gummies and lozenges.

As with vitamin D, we don't yet know if zinc will reduce symptoms of COVID-19.

While most people get enough zinc from food sources, some groups — vegetarians, people with gastrointestinal diseases, people who misuse alcohol — are at higher risk of zinc deficiency and might want to consider taking a supplement.

Vitamin D For Perimenopause

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-to-know-about-vitamin-d-and-covid-19

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Where Do We Get Vitamin D From

Where Do We Get Vitamin D From

Dungeons and Dragons 101: How Has D&D Endured for Almost 50 Years?

Photo Courtesy: Simon Hayter/Toronto Star/Getty Images

Dungeons and Dragons has become so popular that pretty much everyone has heard of it, even if they've never actually played it. The popular role-playing game (RPG) first made its debut almost 50 years ago, back in 1974, and has since become one of the most — if not the most — popular tabletop fantasy games in the world.

These days, you can even play D&D  online and connect with other players over popular chat platforms like Discord. If you're curious to know what the game is all about — and how it has managed to stay popular for so long — join us for a crash course, Dungeons and Dragons 101.

The Humble Origins of the World's Most Epic RPG

The revolution that would eventually become Dungeons & Dragons owes its origins to a fateful meeting between two war-game fans named Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It all began with an earlier game called Chainmail, which was written by Gary Gygax and a friend of his, Jeff Perren. Chainmail was a medieval-themed combat game and included a 14-page write-up that detailed how players could incorporate fantasy elements into the gameplay.

Chainmail made its way to Dave Arneson, who decided to use the fantasy rules section to develop a game of his own,Blackmoor. By combining the elements of Chainmail and several other games, Arneson developed a Lord of the Rings-style game universe where players could engage in epic battles as they explored underground dungeons and vast lore.

 Photo Courtesy: Monty Brinton/CBS/Getty Images

In 1972, Arneson introduced Gygax to Blackmoor  — and he was immediately blown away. Ultimately, Arneson and Gygax formed a partnership and developed a new game: Dungeons & Dragons. The RPG was first distributed in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules (TSR), a company that Gygax formed himself after struggling to find a publisher.

That year, the first 1,000 copies of the D&D box set — most of which were hand-assembled — sold for $10. Eventually, Dungeons & Dragons became more than just an innovative, fantasy-fueled idea, exploding into a bonafide phenomenon. As a result, TSR was purchased by Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast, the game's current publisher, in 1997.

What Makes D&D So Great, Anyway?

If you've never played Dungeons & Dragons yourself, you may have found yourself wondering what all the hype is about. This tends to be especially true given the notorious enthusiasm for the game that D&D tends to inspire among its fans. So, how exactly does Dungeons & Dragons work, and, in a world full of tabletop games and RPGs, why has it endured for nearly 50 years?

 Photo Courtesy: Daniel Knighton/FilmMagic/Getty Images

One of the key reasons for  D&D 's popularity? It hinges on imagination. No matter how old you may be, the game invites you to partake in an epic exercise in make-believe, one that features heroes, monsters, battles, and plenty of adventure. Unlike the average game of make-believe, however, D&D  provides just enough framework, so that every game is not only structured, but equal parts chance and strategy.

When you start the game, you invent a character and take on their role. You can choose to become a fighter, a wizard, a cleric, or a rogue, for example. Part of the fun? Creating a whole personality, appearance, set of skills, and backstory for the character you decide to play. Using a combination of character sheets, the Player's Handbook. and your own imagination, the possibilities are nearly endless.

One player takes on the role of the Dungeon Master, the person responsible for running the game and keeping the story on track.By using an adventure book, the Dungeon Master can lead the players (and their characters) through a variety of storylines, leaving each player to decide on their reaction to the circumstances that arise. As you may know, a dice-throwing system is used to determine whether the player's strategy turns out to be a success or failure, thus emphasizing that great balance of chance and strategy.

An Endless World of Adventure

"Why did it catch on so quickly? Because it offered almost pure escapism and the ability, in the game, to do anything and everything you wanted to do!" Arneson once said in Different Worlds. "Gads! Who wouldn't get hooked on game-playing nirvana like that after years of charts, tables, painting figures, etc."

In an industry that had previously been composed of games played with miniature figurines, Dungeons & Dragons offered players the chance to use their creativity like never before. By relying heavily on the imagination and contributions of each player, the game more or less offered players the chance to write their own fantasy epic.

 Photo Courtesy: Danielle Donders/Getty Images

Take, for example,Robert Wardhaugh, a player who started a game of D&D  as a teenager in 1982. As of 2020, the game is still going, which means it has lasted a whopping 38 years. Of course, not all D&D  games last that long, but that's part of the beauty of it all — it can be what you make it.

When you sit down to start your adventure, you can conjure up a fantasy scenario that plays out for as short or as long a period as you'd like. Nowadays, there are even whole leagues and conventions where D&D fans can connect to combine their creativity and produce more exciting adventures.

D&D Goes Digital

While it's technically been possible to play Dungeons & Dragons online for some time, there was once a time when it was a bit more of a chore. Recently, however, the company has released more tools that make online gaming much easier.This became especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, since players couldn't gather in a physical space. Thanks to these online methods of connecting, the game enjoyed a 33% sales increase during 2020, with both new and veteran players alike gathering virtually for some solid escapism and fun.

 Photo Courtesy: CasarsaGuru/Getty Images

The online option is also a great way for new players to get started. Instead of searching for players in your area, simply check out D&D Beyond, which has made online gameplay easier than ever before. There you'll find a virtual character builder, free access to game rules, and even virtual dice-rolling capabilities. Additionally, t he folks behind D&D have also created a handy beginners' guide capable of teaching you everything you need to know so that you can create your character and embark on your first quest with ease.

As you'll soon discover, a whole subculture has risen up around the world of Dungeons & Dragons over the years — and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. So, if you're looking to meet new friends and flex your imagination, why not roll the dice?

Where Do We Get Vitamin D From

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Vitamin D 10

Vitamin D 10

Vitamin D Facts: Everything You Need to Know

Medically Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller, MBChB

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Vitamin D is important for maintaining a healthy body, primarily because it helps you fully maximize your body's absorption and utilization of calcium, an important mineral that we all need. When paired with calcium, vitamin D helps regulate bone remodeling and growth, ensuring healthy, strong bones. Vitamin D can also help protect older adults from osteoporosis, which occurs due to excess bone loss from aging.

Furthermore, this nutrient boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation within your body, potentially warding off future medical conditions in the process. It also plays a vital role in cell growth, neuromuscular functions and protein encoding. Studies have shown that a regular, healthy vitamin D intake can also serve as an antidepressant and make people feel generally happier. But that's not all you'll want to know about vitamin D.

Sources of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is naturally found in certain foods and now appears in many more foods that have been fortified with added nutrients. The best sources of naturally occurring vitamin D are oily fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, sardines and mackerel. Fish liver oils are another good source of vitamin D. Small amounts of the nutrient are present in beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms.

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Commonly, vitamin D-fortified foods include whole milk, orange juice, margarine and breakfast cereals. It's important to look at the label and nutrition facts to verify that vitamin D is in a particular food you're considering. Because dairy products are often fortified with vitamin D, lactose intolerant or vegan individuals should keep an eye on their diets to ensure they get enough of the vitamin.

Sun exposure is another method of naturally obtaining vitamin D, as our bodies can create their own vitamin D upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. However, it's difficult to gauge exactly how much sun exposure can generate sufficient vitamin D, as overexposure can be harmful, too. UV rays are also known to trigger free radicals, which can lead to skin cancer if left unchecked.

It's been suggested that getting approximately 15 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at least twice a week to your face, arms, legs or back will help your body synthesize enough vitamin D. It's important to note that you can't cover the exposed area of your body with sunscreen if you choose to get vitamin D naturally. The SPF blocks UV rays and can hinder your body's ability to create vitamin D. If you're in the shade or behind a window, the rays will not get through. If the climate where you live is primarily cloudy, it's important to get your recommended amount of vitamin D via other means.

Dietary supplements are also an excellent way of obtaining vitamin D. Supplements come in two forms: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is identical to the form your body makes when exposed to sunlight, and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which differs slightly from D3 in its chemical side-chain structure. There's some evidence that vitamin D3 increases and maintains overall levels slightly better than vitamin D2.

Side Effects of a Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you don't adequately absorb the nutrient or when your kidneys can't convert the nutrient to its active form. This deficiency can result in medical conditions, two of which are called rickets and osteomalacia.

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Rickets, a disease characterized by a failure of bone tissues to get enough minerals, can result in abnormal, soft bones and skeletal deformities. It's most common in children. Fortunately, it isn't permanent, and kids can consume as few as 1 to 3 teaspoons of cod liver oil a day to reverse the condition.

With the help of fortified foods today, rickets is almost obsolete in the United States. Osteomalacia, characterized by soft and weak bones, is usually present in adults. It's commonly treated with an intense regimen of vitamin D replacement under the care of a physician.

Vitamin D and Other Health Conditions

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease, and people with lower levels of vitamin D appear to be at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. However, the exact relationship isn't clear, and there appears to be no benefit to cardiovascular risk in taking a vitamin D supplement.

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Research is also ongoing to find if there's a link between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis (MS). It appears that vitamin D deficiency is linked to the development of MS, and people with MS and higher levels of vitamin D appear to have reduced disease activity.

Low vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of contracting respiratory illnesses such as influenza A. It appears that people with low vitamin D levels are at greater risk of severe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. It's not clear yet if routine vitamin D supplementation would reduce this risk.

Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance, it can stay in your body for several days. Thus, vitamin D poisoning is possible if you supplement too much vitamin D over a period of a few months. Symptoms of vitamin D overdose include dehydration, vomiting, decreased appetite, irritability, constipation and fatigue. If left unaddressed, vitamin D poisoning can lead to anorexia, over-calcification of the bones and internal organs, kidney stones and hypertension (high blood pressure). It's important to note that vitamin D poisoning usually only occurs with excessive intake of dietary supplements. It's highly unlikely to occur as a result of normal dietary intake and sun exposure.

Daily Dosage Recommendations

The recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D vary depending on your age and other health and life circumstances, such as pregnancy. For infants under 12 months, the recommended intake is 400 international units (IU) or 10 micrograms (mcg). For individuals under 70 years old, the recommended intake is 600IU (15mcg). For individuals over 70 years old, the intake increases to 800IU (20mcg).

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