Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone. Also, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation. Many of the body’s organs and tissues have receptors for vitamin D, which suggest important roles beyond bone health, and scientists are actively investigating other possible functions.
Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, though some foods are fortified with the vitamin. For most people, the best way to get enough vitamin D is taking a supplement because it is hard to eat enough through food. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: vitamin D2 (“ergocalciferol” or pre-vitamin D) and vitamin D3 (“cholecalciferol”). Both are also naturally occurring forms that are produced in the presence of the sun’s ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, hence its nickname, “the sunshine vitamin,” but D2 is produced in plants and fungi and D3 in animals, including humans. Vitamin D production in the skin is the primary natural source of vitamin D, but many people have insufficient levels because they live in places where sunlight is limited in winter, or because they have limited sun exposure due to being inside much of the time. Also, people with darker skin tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D because the pigment (melanin) acts like a shade, reducing production of vitamin D (and also reducing damaging effects of sunlight on skin, including skin cancer).
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in the human body. It is known for its role in calcium metabolism and the maintenance of healthy bones. However, recent research has revealed that vitamin D has much broader effects on human health, including effects on the immune system, cardiovascular system, and even the brain.
Sources of Vitamin D
There are two main sources of vitamin D: sunlight and food. The human body is able to produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. However, the amount of vitamin D produced by the skin is affected by a variety of factors, including the time of day, the season, and the person’s skin pigmentation. Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk and cereal.
Healthspan
Healthspan refers to the length of time a person is able to live in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. Maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D is important for healthspan because it has been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Healthspan refers to the length of time a person is able to live in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. Maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D is important for healthspan because it has been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Vitamin D and Osteoporosis
One of the most well-established effects of vitamin D is its role in calcium metabolism and the maintenance of healthy bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the diet, and without enough vitamin D, the body is unable to form enough bone. This can lead to a condition called osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Osteoporosis is a common condition that is characterized by brittle bones and an increased risk of fractures. Studies have shown that older adults who have low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Vitamin D and Diabetes
Vitamin D has also been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that people with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and that taking vitamin D supplements can lower the risk of developing the disease. The exact mechanisms by which vitamin D affects diabetes are not fully understood, but it is thought to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Vitamin D and Heart Disease
Vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that people with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and that taking vitamin D supplements can lower the risk. The exact mechanisms by which vitamin D affects heart disease are not fully understood, but it is thought to improve blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D and Cancer
Vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Studies have shown that people with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing these types of cancer and that taking vitamin D supplements can lower the risk. The exact mechanisms by which vitamin D affects cancer are not fully understood, but it is thought to regulate cell growth and differentiation and to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.D
This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at 6:37 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
