Why is Vitamin D a hot nutrient these days? Is it really that important?
Vitamin D has been studied in a variety of different types of research including the immune system and for bones. It is quite popular since the research is compelling and experts in the field of medicine are aware of its importance. Also they are recognizing that many people have low levels. One would not think that low vitamin D levels could cause problems with one’s mood, but research has shown it does.
The objective is to have vitamin D levels measured by a doctor to determine if it is at satisfactory levels. Then have it tested on regular medical visits.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and has many different major functions in the body. It is also produced in the body when the sun’s ultraviolet rays strike the skin. This causes vitamin D to be made. It is essential for bones, immune function, cell growth and neuromuscular function. Also, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, weight management and mood.
A little trivia, it has been estimated that young people have higher blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than older people and males have higher levels than females.
Vitamin D is available from exposure to the sun, but it is also found in food and supplements.
Your doctor can measure your vitamin D blood levels. The main indicator of vitamin D status is the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH).
Vitamin D needed for bone health:
Vitamin D assists in the mineralization of bone and is a key factor in calcium absorption. Dairy products are not always popular, therefore vitamin D may be lacking in some people’s diet. Vitamin D helps calcium to be absorbed in the gut and sustains normal calcium levels in the blood. This helps the mineralization of bone. Vitamin D is also necessary for bone growth and bone remodeling by bone cells. If there isn’t an adequate supply of vitamin D, the bones become brittle and thin.
Vitamin D is necessary for Immune System Health:
Vitamin D has a role in providing support to the immune system. The body’s immune response for help occurs when the body is under stress, both psychologically and physiologically. Research has shown that vitamin D helps the respiratory system.
One 12 week study was performed with US Marine Corps recruits, both men and women. They have a great deal of stress in their lives, especially during basic training. The study looked at vitamin D levels in connection with innate mucosal immunity markers. The investigators wanted to evaluate if taking vitamin D supplements daily would help the immune responses during the basic training. They either took vitamin D or placebo.
It was interesting that the recruits that entered during the summer had 37% higher serum vitamin D levels than those that entered in the winter.
The results showed a positive correlation between baseline vitamin D levels and SIgA secretion rates. This demonstrates an increase in the immune response.
SIgA is the main antibody providing the largest immune response at the mucosal level. In the mucosa, the B cells are activated as soon as there are allergens or pathogens around. At that point the SIgA is produced to prevent overgrowth of the bacteria or other bugs in the gastrointestinal tract.
Stress levels were higher in the summer for the recruits and showed that the vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study helped to increase the secretion of antibodies.
The results showed that those that consumed the vitamin D showed a change in immune system antibodies. This study showed the importance of vitamin D’s ability to increase the mucosal immune response. This was very important for the high demands and stress levels of military training.
Vitamin D levels may support weight management:
Population studies have shown that individuals who are higher in body weight are observed as having low vitamin D levels.
Although there are many factors, one study administered vitamin D supplements or a placebo to obese subjects. They all were put on a weight loss program. Those that took the vitamin D lost more weight and fat mass than the placebo group.
In one other study, individuals that took calcium and vitamin D supplements lost more weight than placebo group. The investigators suggested that the combination of the calcium and vitamin D may have reduced their appetite.
Vitamin D associated with cardiovascular health:
Vitamin D has been linked to a healthy heart and blood vessels. There are greater risks of heart problems with low vitamin D levels. Population studies have identified that low vitamin D levels are associated with high blood pressure. Although, it is not clear what is the connection.
Vitamin D is helpful to mood and well being
Vitamin D has been shown that when vitamin D levels were low it influenced how individuals felt emotionally. One review paper that evaluated various studies linked low vitamin D levels with problems with mood. The review showed that by providing vitamin D supplementation that it improved mood and emotions.
In summary, vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient, which has become extremely important in the world of research. Many people including children may have deficiencies. It is available through the ultra violet rays of the sun and found in a few food products and supplements. It has been shown to be important for the bones and immune system. Although it has other necessary functions such as providing weight management support, cardiovascular system and to help with one’s emotional state and well-being.
If you have a health condition and or take medication, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider prior to taking supplements.
For Educational Purposes Only
References
Cheng YC, Huang YC, Huang WL. The effect of vitamin D supplement on negative emotions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anx. 2022;37(6):549-564.
Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer. Updated 060222. Assessed 0707 22
Scott JM, Kazman JB, Palmer J, et al. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on salivary immune responses during Marine Corps basic training. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019;29(9):1322-1330.
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