There are two forms of Vitamin D: D2 ergocalciferol which is derived from food and D3 cholecalciferol which is derived from the sun. With a healthy individual that resides in a sunny region and spends at least 15 minutes in the sun per day without using sunscreen, you would not normally see a Vitamin D deficiency.
However, we don't all live in a sunny region and even then, we are not converting the Vitamin D from the sun because we block it with sunscreen. People in the Northern Hemisphere may go months without seeing the sun.
For decades we have known the importance of Vitamin D and its relation to bone health and diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. More recently though we have discovered its utmost importance on other systems in our body such as the immune system.
Reasons for Vitamin D Supplementation
Bone Health
Vitamin D is vital in maintaining calcium levels in the blood. If there is low Vitamin D then there will be low serum calcium which via messages in the parathyroid increases the breakdown of bone to release calcium that is needed in the blood. This may result in osteoporosis if left for too long.
Muscle Pain and Weakness
A Vitamin D deficiency causes a problem in the mineralization in the collagen matrix and allows it to attract fluid. This fluid expansion can lead to painful and aching muscles. This may also lead to weakness.
Prostate Health
Prostate cells have the ability to produce Vitamin D which aids prostate cell metabolism and maturation.
Immune Function
There is mounting evidence that Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the immune system by shifting the T cells from Th1 to Th2 which helps inhibit autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and IBS.
Heart and Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness are synonymous with a Vitamin D deficiency.
As we know, Vitamin D regulates calcium levels and has an effect on the parathyroid hormone. PTH can then break down protein within the muscle and impair the oxidation of long chain fatty acids. For a strong healthy heart, we need Vitamin D.
Fall Prevention
In the elderly, falls are common but studies have shown they are more common in those that have a Vitamin D deficiency. Supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium can give muscle increased strength and function.
Blood Pressure
Vitamin D plays a role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) which regulates blood pressure. Vitamin D helps to regulate the RAS and a deficiency may contribute to hypertension.
If you have any of conditions mentioned above, you may be deficient in Vitamin D.
D Supplements may come in quantities of 1,000iu per tablet. Toxicity has been reported in doses from 50,000-100,000iu taken routinely over several months.
Contraindications include the following:
- Hypercalcemia
- Sarcoidosis
- Hyperparathyroidism
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