Vitamin D

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Good Morning!

 

Vitamin D

 

The most important role of Vitamnin D is maintaining blood levels of

calcium, which it accomplishes by increasing absorption of calcium

from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both effects keep

calcium in the body and therefore spare the calcium that is stored in

bones. When necessary, vitamin D transfers calcium from the bone into

the bloodstream, which does not benefit bones. Although the overall

effect of vitamin D on the bones is complicated, some vitamin D is

necessary for healthy bones and teeth.

 

Vitamin D plays a role in immunity and blood cell formation and also

helps cells " differentiate " —a process that may reduce the risk of

cancer. From animal and human studies, researchers have hypothesized

that vitamin D may protect people from multiple sclerosis, autoimmune

arthritis, and juvenile diabetes.

 

Vitamin D is also needed for adequate blood levels of insulin.

Vitamin D receptors have been found in the pancreas where insulin is

made, and preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation may

increase insulin secretion for some people with adult-onset diabetes.

 

Cod liver oil is an excellent dietary source of vitamin D, as are

vitamin D-fortified foods. Traces of vitamin D are found in egg yolks

and butter. However, the majority of vitamin D in the body is created

during a chemical reaction that starts with sunlight exposure to the

skin. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is the animal form of this vitamin.

 

 

In adults, vitamin D deficiency may result in a softening of the

bones known as osteomalacia. This condition is treated with vitamin

D, sometimes in combination with calcium supplements. Osteomalacia

should be diagnosed, and its treatment monitored, by a doctor. In

people of any age, vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal bone

formation. It occurs more commonly following winter, owing to

restricted sunlight exposure during that season.

 

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in strict vegetarians (who avoid

vitamin D-fortified dairy foods), dark-skinned people, alcoholics,

and people with liver or kidney disease; people with liver and kidney

disease can make vitamin D but cannot activate it.

 

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in people suffering from

intestinal malabsorption, which may have occurred following previous

intestinal surgeries, or from celiac disease. People with

insufficient pancreatic function (e.g., those with pancreatitis or

cystic fibrosis) tend to be deficient in vitamin D.

 

In children, vitamin D deficiency is called rickets and causes a

bowing of bones not seen in adults with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin

D deficiency is common among people with hyperparathyroidism, a

condition in which the parathyroid gland is overactive. In a study of

124 people with mild hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D levels were below

normal in 7% of them and suboptimal in 53% of them. Vitamin D

deficiency is also common in men with advanced prostate cancer. In

one study, 44% of 16 men with advanced prostate cancer had decreased

blood levels of vitamin D.

 

 

People who get plenty of sun exposure do not require supplemental

vitamin D, since sunlight increases vitamin D synthesis when it

strikes bare skin. Although the recommended dietary allowance for

vitamin D is 200 IU per day for adults, there is some evidence that

elderly people need 800 to 1,000 IU per day for maximum effects on

preserving bone density and preventing fractures. Sun-deprived people

should take no less than 600 IU per day and ideally around 1,000 IU

per day.

 

People with hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D without

consulting a physician. People with sarcoidosis should not supplement

with vitamin D, unless a doctor has determined that their calcium

levels are not elevated. Too much vitamin D taken for long periods of

time may lead to headaches, weight loss, and kidney stones. Rarely,

excessive vitamin D may even lead to deafness, blindness, increased

thirst, increased urination, diarrhea, irritability, children's

failure to gain weight, or death.

 

 

Andrew " Guruji " LMT, MT-BC, CA

Peacefulmind.com

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