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Vitamin D: What is it and Why do we need it?
The term "vitamin D" refers to several different forms of this vitamin. Two forms are
important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin
when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Foods may be fortified
with vitamin D2 or D3.
The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium
and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and
maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide
protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several
autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin D is essential to maintaining strong bones and teeth. It enhances the strength
and efficiency of your immune system, which decreases your risk of developing
autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D helps your body regulate its blood sugar levels,
playing an important role in preventing type II diabetes. Finally, vitamin D is one of
several nutrients that are necessary for preventing high blood pressure.
Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod
liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily production of vitamin D, and
as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies.
Research has shown many benefits of Vitamin D. New research has found that low
blood levels of vitamin D in younger women tripled their risk of high blood pressure 15
years later. A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) shows vitamin D plays a vital role in reducing
the risk of death associated with older age. The research, just published in the Journal
of the American Geriatrics Society, evaluated the association between vitamin D levels
in the blood and the death rates of those 65 and older. The study found that older adults
with insufficient levels of vitamin D die from heart disease at greater rates that those
with adequate levels of the vitamin.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to pain and is often missed in the diagnosis,
because of the way different people get entirely different pains from vitamin D
deficiency. Individual studies have shown pain to be relieved by treating vitamin D
deficiency in as diverse pain syndromes as: Chronic Back Pain (VERY common to have
vitamin D deficiency), Nerve Pain or Neuropathy, Pain described as 'Bone Pain,
Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammatory' Pain such as Irritable Bowel Disease and
Crohn's Disease.
Now that we are entering the winter months and getting less Vitamin D from the sun, a
good ole’ remedy from grandma is cod liver oil. It is one of the most reliable and
concentrated food sources of four nutrients that are essential to your health: DHA,
EPA, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
To See How We Can Help...Call 770-425-6068
The term "vitamin D" refers to several different forms of this vitamin. Two forms are
important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin
when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Foods may be fortified
with vitamin D2 or D3.
The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium
and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and
maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide
protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several
autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin D is essential to maintaining strong bones and teeth. It enhances the strength
and efficiency of your immune system, which decreases your risk of developing
autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D helps your body regulate its blood sugar levels,
playing an important role in preventing type II diabetes. Finally, vitamin D is one of
several nutrients that are necessary for preventing high blood pressure.
Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod
liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily production of vitamin D, and
as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies.
Research has shown many benefits of Vitamin D. New research has found that low
blood levels of vitamin D in younger women tripled their risk of high blood pressure 15
years later. A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) shows vitamin D plays a vital role in reducing
the risk of death associated with older age. The research, just published in the Journal
of the American Geriatrics Society, evaluated the association between vitamin D levels
in the blood and the death rates of those 65 and older. The study found that older adults
with insufficient levels of vitamin D die from heart disease at greater rates that those
with adequate levels of the vitamin.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to pain and is often missed in the diagnosis,
because of the way different people get entirely different pains from vitamin D
deficiency. Individual studies have shown pain to be relieved by treating vitamin D
deficiency in as diverse pain syndromes as: Chronic Back Pain (VERY common to have
vitamin D deficiency), Nerve Pain or Neuropathy, Pain described as 'Bone Pain,
Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammatory' Pain such as Irritable Bowel Disease and
Crohn's Disease.
Now that we are entering the winter months and getting less Vitamin D from the sun, a
good ole’ remedy from grandma is cod liver oil. It is one of the most reliable and
concentrated food sources of four nutrients that are essential to your health: DHA,
EPA, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
To See How We Can Help...Call 770-425-6068