Dear friends,
You’re probably familiar with Vitamin D – the beloved “sunshine vitamin” that our doctors frequently test in us. But what about our furry friends? Vitamin D is often overlooked in routine pet testing, and that’s where our holistic journey comes in.
As I delved deeper into understanding the root causes of diseases and addressing systemic issues, a concerning pattern emerged – most pets are Vitamin D deficient! This realization led me to start regular Vitamin D testing for our furry patients, and the results have been eye-opening. Most pets are deficient and pets with severe illnesses showed alarmingly low levels of this vital nutrient.
Vitamin D plays a critical role beyond calcium absorption and bone health. Scientific research indicates that it significantly influences inflammation and immune function. A long-term deficiency can lead to a plethora of health problems.
In a recent enlightening conversation with Dr. Trina Hazzah, our integrative oncologist, we discussed that Vitamin D levels are particularly influential in pets diagnosed with cancer. Here’s an interesting fact – pets, unlike humans, don’t always produce enough Vitamin D from sun exposure due to their furry coats. Thus, they rely heavily on dietary intake, which may not always guarantee optimal absorption.
The absorption of nutrients can be impacted by factors such as bioavailability and gut health (cue the fascinating world of microbiomes!). As a result, many pets in our practice benefit from targeted supplementation of high-potency Vitamin D, alongside careful monitoring to maintain optimal levels and support overall health and wellness.
Remember, maintaining your pet’s health is a multi-dimensional puzzle, and checking their Vitamin D levels is one crucial piece! It’s our mission to provide comprehensive and holistic care, ensuring your beloved companions thrive with vibrant health.
And! Our days are longer now and sunshine is plenty – are you making enough Vitamin D (safelyπ) for yourself?Β
βοΈ With sunny regards,
Dr. Lily Chen