The Value of Vitamin D
It's more important than you think!
We’ve all been told to take our vitamins daily, but have we ever given much thought as to why, beyond that of dietary nutritional value? Well, there’s a very important reason.
It is estimated that 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D.
Not only does vitamin D promote bone health, but
it can also be cardioprotective, prevent diabetes, aid in reducing high blood pressure, is vital to our eye health, may help provide chronic pain relief, and even support a healthy libido. Promising new research also shows that
vitamin D supplementation has the potential to prevent dementia, with even more benefit the earlier it is initiated.
Vitamin D Strengthens Bones
Supplementing vitamin D may counter the effects of hypophosphatemia, an inherited bone disorder that inhibits absorption.
Vitamin D is unique in that when the body receives it, it transforms it into a hormone referred to as calcitriol. Calcitriol allows our bodies to absorb other nutrients from our diets like phosphorus and calcium.
It also helps decrease the negative effects of osteomalacia, which is a condition where someone has a loss of bone mineral content thus causing “soft bones” and significant pain because of it. Replacing vitamin D along with calcium helps to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. Topical vitamin D has even been utilized to treat plaque-type psoriasis with good benefit.
Vitamin D Leads to Healthier Heart
Treating vitamin D deficiency can lower blood pressure as it aids in blood flow and circulation. Vitamin D is an antioxidant, which protects the cells that line blood vessels and helps them relax.
Vitamin D = Diabetes Prevention
Without the proper amount of vitamin D in your body, extra glucose (sugar) floating in your bloodstream does not get used and could cause insulin resistance. Supplementing to a healthy level of vitamin D may help thwart the development of type two diabetes.
Vitamin D Strengthens Vision
Vitamin D is helpful in preventing glaucoma, dry eye syndrome and cataracts and enables our eyes to heal from injury. In the eye, vitamin D fights the degeneration of tissues preventing macular degeneration such as in AMD. Vitamin D can relieve inflammation and help prevent prolong irreversible damage.
Vitamin D Combats Cancer
Studies show that vitamin D is angiogenic which means it helps prevent the growth of new blood vessels. This antineoplastic property, or “cancer fighting ability,” prevents blood flow to malignant tumors.
Vitamin D Leads to Stronger Libido
Postmenopausal women who are deficient in Vitamin D are more at risk for metabolic syndrome, which includes several related issues like high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and raised cholesterol. These are also associated with excess belly fat, lower sex drive, difficulty orgasming, and less sexual satisfaction when compared to metabolically healthy women. Polish researchers performed a study that looked at women ages 20 to 40 years old. Taking vitamin D bumped up their sexual desire and improved orgasms while also providing mood enhancement. Negative effects of a lack of vitamin D extends to men as well.
Men who are deficient in vitamin D may be more likely to have lower testosterone levels, which affects their sex life. Since vitamin D aids in circulation and blood flow, healthier levels may improve the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Vitamin D Complements Cognition
Recent research displays that low levels of vitamin D in the blood are correlated to cognitive decline. Even though the underlying process remains unknown, the Mayo Clinic has an increasing body of evidence to support the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D on the brain. Specifically, Parkinson’s patients are usually found to have deficient vitamin D levels and genetic changes in the gene that codes for its receptor have been linked to increased development of this disease.
Medscape also highlights findings from a large prospective cohort study showing that vitamin D consumers were 40% less likely to develop dementia. Beneficial effects were more pronounced in female patients.
Specifically, Parkinson’s patients are usually found to have deficient vitamin D levels and genetic changes in the gene that codes for its receptor have been linked to increased development of this disease.
Best Vitamin D Suppliers
Vitamin D has countless benefits to the development and maintenance of the human body. However, our bodies do not produce vitamin D on their own, and we must ensure adequate dietary intake and safe sun exposure in order to receive it. Here are some adequate food sources to boost your intake. Please talk to your healthcare provider today about prescription supplementation and diagnostic testing.
References:
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