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| www.AdvancedHealthClinic.com |
Vitamin D is more than a vitamin. It really is a
prohormone, a substance that the body converts to a hormone. The skin makes
vitamin D after exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is absorbed from certain foods,
such as dairy products and certain oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and
sardines. Vitamin D has its effects by binding to a protein (called the vitamin
D receptor). This receptor is present in nearly every cell in the body and
affects many different body processes.
In the past decade, medical researchers have learned that
vitamin D plays a much greater role in maintaining our overall health than
previously thought. Until recently, it
was believed that vitamin D’s primary role was to maintain the proper balance
of calcium and phosphorus needed to build and maintain healthy bones, and that
it was activated only by the kidneys. However, research by Michael F. Holick,
MD, PhD, revealed that nearly all cells in the body contain vitamin D
receptors, which allow them to convert circulating (inactive) vitamin D3 into
the active hormone. With enough vitamin D in the bloodstream to regulate
calcium, the “extra” vitamin D is recruited and activated by cells all over the
body.
According to an article from the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition, Vitamin D3’s role in promoting human life is more profound
than previously suspected.
“These physiologic arenas are the adaptive immune system, the innate
immune system, insulin secretion by the pancreatic β cell, multifactorial heart
functioning and blood pressure regulation, and brain and fetal development.”
This is why people who live in dark areas suffer from
significant depression and health disorders unless they supplement. For many
people, optimal vitamin D levels may require a combination of sun exposure,
dietary sources of vitamin D, and supplements as needed.
Many people who are deficient in vitamin D exhibit
symptoms that are easily confused with other conditions. For example, chronic pain in muscles, joints,
and bones is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or myalgia. Seasonal
affective disorder (SAD) is another potential sign of vitamin D deficiency. SAD
can be misdiagnosed as depression or bipolar disorder. It is often remedied by
exposure to sunshine, UVB rays, or vitamin D. Chronic diseases, such as
periodontal disease, loose teeth, and high blood pressure, can also be signs of
vitamin D deficiency. A compromised
resistance to infection is also sometimes associated with inadequate vitamin D,
which we now know is critical for immune system function.
Women who breastfeed can deplete their vitamin D
reserves. Subsequently, their breastfed infants also tend to be vitamin D
deficient. Several studies have also shown that vitamin D deficiency is common
among postmenopausal women, probably due to age related decline in vitamin D
production, as well as changes in body composition. Of particular interest to
women of childbearing age is a report from Dr. Ellie Campbell, who noted that
many of her female patients who were struggling with infertility also tested
remarkably low in vitamin D. When these
women were given supplements to restore their vitamin D levels, they were able
to get pregnant. Polycystic ovary syndrome, another prevalent cause of
infertility, is also associated with low vitamin D levels, Dr. Campbell
reports. In addition, PMS and
dysfunctional bleeding may also be associated with a vitamin D deficiency.
Smaller trials and observational studies suggest that
optimizing vitamin D levels may help prevent a wide range of diseases
associated with low levels of vitamin D. Optimizing your vitamin D levels with
adequate and sensible sun exposure, dietary sources, and supplements as needed
offers real health benefits. Vitamin D contributes significantly to overall health,
throughout your life stages. Most people should supplement with around 2,000IU
to 5,000IU daily of vitamin D3 on days they’re not in the sun. I recommend you
work with your healthcare provider to make sure that your Vitamin D levels are optimal.
