In summer, fragrant flowers fill the air and abundant ultraviolet light from the sky penetrates our skin to produce vitamin D. Although the sun will soon reach its peak in the season, Black women remain susceptible to the lowest reported levels. Vitamin D3 levels. Although this vitamin is partly responsible for increasing the sense of well-being, it can also cause harmful side effects.
Melanin, which gives our skin its luxurious glow, absorbs ultraviolet light, which is essential for vitamin D synthesis. People’s skin with less melanin is more receptive to nutrients from the sun, so the average vitamin D level is 24 nanograms per milliliter.
It would take a black person one hour of sun exposure to absorb the same amount of vitamin D that a white person takes in 24 minutes. Forty percent of American adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency, but the rate for African Americans is nearly double, reaching 76%.
A combination of hormonal and reproductive factors cause women to experience more pronounced symptoms than men, and lifestyle factors common to Black women further widen the disparity. Unhealthy eating habits, not getting enough exercise, and insufficient outdoor recreation contribute to lifestyle habits in the community. We know that vitamin D is essential for physical health, but the spiritual side of the conversation is often left unaddressed.
A lack of vitamin D can manifest physically, as in loss of bone density, or psychologically, as symptoms of depression. Adequate levels regulate mood, give energy, and promote optimism.
An unexplained feeling of hopelessness or fatigue, or a sudden lack of interest in activities you thought were fun, may be due to low vitamin D levels. Although vitamin D deficiency is not necessarily indicative of a depressive disorder, studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is always present in patients with clinical depression. Find out how to deal with vitamin D deficiency if you don’t get enough sunlight.
Thanks to the community Black Girl Vitamins has built, over 50,000 women of color no longer have to fight this deficiency alone. The Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Ugwu, spoke about GU’s efforts in educating and strengthening demographics. What started as a simple blog to spread awareness has blossomed into a successful supplement business that puts the needs of Black women at the forefront.
“Just like in the gym, it takes time and effort to see results,” Ugwu said. For a consumer to notice improvements in mental health, he needs to take the vitamin daily for two to three months. To measure the changes yourself, the company offers a vitamin D test kit with instant results. Ugwu suggests that physical activity and a vitamin D-rich diet are the top two ways to maintain vitamin D levels after taking supplements.
Only 34% of Black women reach the level of physical activity recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A study from the Harvard School of Public Health found how exercise is associated with increased vitamin D levels. Most exercise was done outdoors, such as jogging or playing basketball. Engaging in physical activity is an effective strategy to combat vitamin deficiencies. Because you need to spend extra time in the sun and condition the muscles that circulate vitamins.
Exercise is a natural treatment for combating depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and PTSD. Another study from Harvard University found that running for 15 minutes every day reduced the risk of depression by 26%. Physical activity promotes increased mental acuity, increased self-esteem, regular sleep patterns, and resilience.
In 2020, the CDC reported that half of Black Americans have at least one type of cardiovascular disease and two in five have high blood pressure. These chronic diseases are associated with vitamin D deficiency and increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions.
Ugwu told GU that we need to include more foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, eggs and mushrooms, in our diets. He also said non-fried starchy and high-fiber vegetables, namely “broccoli and cauliflower”, are essential dietary options. The nutrients in these foods have been proven to reduce depression and anxiety, and keep your gut happy.
