FORT WAINWRAIGHT, Alaska - All the signs telling us winter has arrived are here; snow is on the ground, temperatures are dropping and the hours we see sunlight are getting shorter and shorter. While all of these facts can cause stress, especially for those experiencing their first Alaskan winter, the lack of sunlight can cause real health issues that go beyond the complaint of missing the warmth of the sun.
Vitamin D is a hormone produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight, and it plays an important role in both physical and mental health. With prolonged hours of darkness during the winter, Alaskans seldom get enough sunlight to produce a sufficient supply of Vitamin D.
In fact, according to research by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, any population that lives above latitude 30 degrees isn't getting the necessary amount of sunlight for obtaining and making this essential vitamin in their bodies. Fairbanks sits at 65 degrees. Even in the summer, our sunlight is not strong enough to make up for the winter deficit.
According to Jennifer Tanner, chief of child and family behavioral health at Medical Department Activity -- Alaska, one of the first signs of a Vitamin D deficiency from a behavioral health standpoint is an awareness of feeling more agitated than normal.
"Pretty consistently patients come in saying, 'this is not how I normally feel, I don't know what is happening - everything is upsetting me, I'm snapping at my kids and this is not how I normally am,' and these are my first red flags that it could be a Vitamin D deficiency," said Tanner.
Tanner tells patients that whatever their go-to emotion is when life becomes difficult, whether it's anger, sadness or irritation, they will go there faster and with more intensity over things that are less important.
"When their Vitamin D is low, their tolerance, resiliency to the things in life that create disharmony, irritation, disappointments, frustrations, whatever interrupts the status quo, if your Vitamin D is low it's more intense and the reaction is faster," said Tanner.
In addition to behavioral health symptoms, Vitamin D deficiency can also manifest physically.
"Unfortunately, patients may not have any symptoms at all," says Capt. Sean Richardson, officer in charge at Ft. Greely Army Medical Home, "However, in general, common symptoms are muscle or bone pain, weakness and abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus and bone metabolism."
It is important to take action as soon as possible if a Vitamin D deficiency is suspected.
"If there is a concern or suspicion for Vitamin D deficiency," says Richardson, "it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your provider. That being said, most people are able to get all the Vitamin D they require through their diet."
Eating foods rich in Vitamin D, such as eggs, salmon, tuna, shitake and button mushrooms are helpful.
According to Richardson, between diet, getting outside as much as possible and the use of a 'happy light' most people get all the Vitamin D they require. For those who need a supplement there are guidelines how much should be taken.
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends people have 400 IU a day, but studies show that in Canada that the daily recommended dose to support healthy levels is 800 IU per day," says Richardson. "Currently there is no data for Alaska, which is even further north, but there is good evidence that up to 2,000 IU daily is a safe amount to take if there is a concern or history of low Vitamin D."
Richardson recommends taking the supplement in capsule form, not tablet.
Beneficiaries who are concerned about their Vitamin D levels can make an appointment with their provider by calling 907-361-4000.
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