Importance of Vitamin D

As we leave summer and enter into shorter days and less sunshine, I am reminded of the urgency to remember my Vitamin D supplement. It was only in recent years that I discovered the vital importance of this vitamin that is rarely discussed. Instead we are instructed to slather on sunscreen to avoid harmful cancerous rays. Vitamin D is synthesized in the dermis by the reaction of UVB rays with a form of cholesterol - therefore making it imperative that we get some sun exposure daily. 8 SPF sunscreen decreases the production of Vitamin D by 95 % ! So before you load up for the day, try spending 15-20 minutes in the sun sans sunscreen – Vitamin D is honestly one of the cornerstones of good health. Though if you are like me and you live North of the old Mason Dixon Line supplementation during winter months is imperative, especially for children! How much? Adequate Intake levels are seemingly far too low, as suggested by numerous studies on Vitamin D intake. It has been shown that a daily intake for all adults of greater than or equal to 1000 IU vitamin D (cholecalciferol)/d is needed to bring vitamin D concentrations in no less than 50% of the population up.

Why Vitamin D?

• Maintaining proper calcium levels in the blood :

• Maintaining proper phosphorus levels in the blood

Without adequate phosphorus, bone cannot be properly mineralized, which contributes to the defects seen in osteomalacia

• Maintaining normal cellular growth and function

This is our body’s means for communication – you can dial the number but if the phone is unplugged you get nowhere. (Related: Why cell communication is so important.)

• Maintaining healthy immune function and preventing excessive inflammation

Inflammation may be one of the most important overlooked links associated with chronic illness.

Problems associated with Vitamin D deficiency:

• Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory effects are seen across a wide spectrum of health conditions including hypertension, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis.
• High blood pressure has been correlated with living at higher latitudes, and, by implication, insufficient vitamin D levels.
• Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with heart failure in humans.
• Children in Finland getting 2,000 IU vitamin D/day through dietary supplements were found to have reduced their risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus by 80%! Conversely, children deficient in vitamin D were found to have a 4-fold increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
• Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with increased risk of certain cancers. These cancers include breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer - there is also a higher rate of prostate cancer in northern latitudes.

Vitamin D may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cancer: Breast, Colon, Ovarian, Prostate
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Hypertension
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Periodontal Disease
• Preeclampsia
• Ulcerative colitis

My Vitamin D Picks:

Metagenics Iso D3 for adults

Biotics Bio D-Mulsion : for children - this is a liquid supplement and can easily be added to juice

If you are having trouble finding a quality supplement, please contact me and I will try to help direct you.