25 HYDROXY VITAMIN D

Vitamin D

"SUNSHINE VITAMIN"

 

 

 

     Vitamin D plays a vital role in human life.  The research that is accumulating in the "medical" world is astounding.  Researchers are linking the deficiency of this vitamin to several diseases.  This is why I want to take a closer look at how important it is to have this vitamin in your daily healthy diet. 

 

What is Vitamin D?

     Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin naturally present in few foods, added to foods (fortified with Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3), and a supplement.  It is produce when ultraviolet rays from the sunlight strike the skin which therefore triggers D synthesis.  Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, foods, and supplements is biologically inert and has to undergo two hydroxylation reactions to become active in the body.  It occurs in the liver (important organ) and converts to vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D.  Therefore, to be known as calcitriol.   Then it occurs in the kidney (important organ) forms active 1 25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

 

Various forms of Vitamin D

• Vitamin D1
• Vitamin D2  (synthesized by plants)
• Vitamin D3 (made in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with ultraviolet light)
• Vitamin D4
• Vitamin D5

Two forms are important in humans:  Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

 

What role does Vitamin D play?

     Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains healthy bones.  It stimulants your pancreas (important organ) to make insulin.  It regulates your immune and neuromuscular system.  Vitamin D is one of the most potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth and reduces inflammation. 

 

What are Vitamin D defenses?

• Reduces the risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis.
• Helps the brain to function.
• Maintains a healthy body weight.
• Reduces the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.
• Reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
• High vitamin D doses can help people recover from Tuberculosis (reported in Sept. 2012 in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences)
• Preventing and treating rickets.
• Preventing osteoporosis.
• Helps heart and blood vessels.
• Prevents high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Treats bone pain.
• Reduce risk for diabetes.
• Reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Treats bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Prevents cancer.

     Lack of deficiency of Vitamin D levels opens doors to the above diseases and sickness. 

Recently, researchers has found that low Vitamin D levels are linked to more severe Multiple Sclerosis symptoms that increases number of brain lesions and signs of a more active disease state with people who has it. 

 

 Defensive plan in receiving the adequate Vitamin D3

• 1,000 IU a day or 2,000 IU *
• Eating salmon 3 ounces
• Orange juice fortified with Vitamin D (1 cup)
• Milk (if you are going to add dairy to your diet - make it organic) or look for alternative milks that has fortified vitamin D in it.
• Yogurts (same goes for this as well)
• Mushrooms
• Eggs
• Cod liver oil

*According to Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. "Based on recent research, Dr. Weil recommends 2,000 IU of Vitamin D per day.  Look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol)."   

Reminder - look for supplements that has no artificial colorings, preservatives, soy free, and dairy free.  READ LABELS!

     In conclusion, Vitamin D is essential for the whole body.  It is relevant that a decline in Vitamin D levels in the body can cause havoc to the body system leading doors open to be accessible to diseases.  It is imperative that you sit down with your doctor to discuss what are your levels so you can have an idea on what you have to do to maintain not getting sick.  As always let your doctor know what supplements and remedies you are taking.  Please be aware not all doctors agree on alternative routes. As for the recommended dose for kids, I suggest you speak to a pediatrician to find out the levels a child at a certain age needs to be.  The blood test that needs to administered to find out the Vitamin D level your body has is 25 HYDROXYVITAMIN D test.  Demand the test to be done don't ask.  As for those who are unfortunate of not having health coverage, I suggest you start taking the supplement and eating a proper diet.  It's better to be safe then sorry.