In todays article we are looking at vitamin D. Most of us know about vitamin D, but it’s staggering how many people are vitamin D deficient. So maybe further clarification is needed. It is estimated in the U.S. that 3 out of 4 adults and teens may be deficient in vitamin D, supposedly three quarters of pregnant women are vitamin D deficient. Worldwide it is estimated 1 billion people have inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood and deficiencies can be found in all ethnicities and age groups. They have not been able to pinpoint why this is going on, maybe to much time inside, The important thing is that we recognize that this is an epidemic.
So what is vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that plays a role in many important body functions. It is best known for working with calcium in your body to help build and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D is involved in regulating the immune system and cells, where it may help prevent cancer. Your body stores vitamin D and can make it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in some foods, mostly ones like milk that have been fortified with vitamin D. There are two-forms of vitamin D; ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). The active form of the vitamin is calcitriol, synthesized from either D2 or D3 in the kidneys. Vitamin D helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Some research suggests that cholecalciferol is better at raising levels of vitamin D in the blood.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and promotes bone mineralization, which may prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against a number of serious diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia. Research suggests that vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis, several autoimmune diseases such as multiple scelrosis and rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the incidence of fractured bones. In addition, growing evidence has demonstrated its important role in defending against cancer, studies link deficiency of vitamin D to as many as 18 different cancers. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may be indicated by fatigue, general muscle pain and weakness, muscle cramps, joint pain, chronic pain, weight gain, hight blood pressure, restless sleep, poor concentration, headaches, bladder problems as well as constipation or diarrhea.
A 2012 European Study on male aging showed that vitamin D helps lower c reactive protein, Raises testosterone, improves body composition, decreases VAT, and enhances better overall health. It is noted to influence key biological functions vital to ones health and well being and is essential to bone and cartilage health. Vitamin D may also protect against heart attack, men classified as deficient in vitamin D are about 2 1/2 times more likely to have a heart attack than those with higher levels of the vitamin. Vitamin D is not only helpful in obtaining optimum health, it also can be beneficial for the active individual. A study in Medical Science Sports Exercise concluded that “vitamin D may improve athletic performance in vitamin D deficient athletes.”
Unfortunately, good sources of vitamin D may be hard to find. Our bodies manufacture
vitamin D3, when skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet-B rays-which can be blocked by both windows and sunscreen. Furthermore, vitamin D is only found naturally in a few foods, which is why products like milk are vitamin D-fortified, sometimes with less absorbable vitamin D2 form. Dietary supplements are often recommended, but they vary in quality and may be made from vitamin D2 or D3. D3 supplements may be 3 times more likely than D2 at increasing vitamin D levels in the body. The supplement delivery form and manufacture may also influence absorption potential, so it’s just as important with this “basic” vitamin to seek higher quality for maximum benefits.
It is recommended to combine vitamin D with soy isoflavones. This combination is designed to support optimal metabolism of vitamin D to is most active form. It is recommended that people take around 2000 IU’s per day. It is strongly suggested that you get a blood test and review it with a physician or nutritionist before supplementing
vitamin D.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and promotes bone mineralization, which may prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against a number of serious diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia. Research suggests that vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis, several autoimmune diseases such as multiple scelrosis and rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the incidence of fractured bones. In addition, growing evidence has demonstrated its important role in defending against cancer, studies link deficiency of vitamin D to as many as 18 different cancers. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may be indicated by fatigue, general muscle pain and weakness, muscle cramps, joint pain, chronic pain, weight gain, hight blood pressure, restless sleep, poor concentration, headaches, bladder problems as well as constipation or diarrhea.
vitamin D3, when skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet-B rays-which can be blocked by both windows and sunscreen. Furthermore, vitamin D is only found naturally in a few foods, which is why products like milk are vitamin D-fortified, sometimes with less absorbable vitamin D2 form. Dietary supplements are often recommended, but they vary in quality and may be made from vitamin D2 or D3. D3 supplements may be 3 times more likely than D2 at increasing vitamin D levels in the body. The supplement delivery form and manufacture may also influence absorption potential, so it’s just as important with this “basic” vitamin to seek higher quality for maximum benefits.
It is recommended to combine vitamin D with soy isoflavones. This combination is designed to support optimal metabolism of vitamin D to is most active form. It is recommended that people take around 2000 IU’s per day. It is strongly suggested that you get a blood test and review it with a physician or nutritionist before supplementing
vitamin D.
Please read and share this blog. Tomorrow I will be posting Top Ten stress busters.
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