Why is Vitamin D is so Important By Dr Gautam Arora Neurologist

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin the body needs to build and maintain strong bones. It helps absorb calcium in the gut, keeping calcium and phosphorus in balance to mineralize bones. Vitamin D also helps support immune balance. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, weak, brittle, or misshapen. Getting enough vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Along with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. The body naturally makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Getting regular, moderate sun exposure is a safe way to maintain normal vitamin D levels during the summer months. Many older adults don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight. The elderly also tend to have poor vitamin D absorption and less elastic skin, which puts them at a higher risk of deficiency. Taking a supplement with vitamin D may be beneficial for bone health in such cases Taken at the recommended doses, vitamin D supplements are considered safe. However, taking too much can be harmful. Vitamin D supplements may also interact with prescription medications. Remember to talk to your doctor before supplementing!

Health Benefits

Vitamin D has several vital functions in the body. Getting enough vitamin D is imperative for normal growth and development of bone. In addition to its primary function, vitamin D plays a role in the health of many other systems to prevent disease.

Heart Health

Evidence shows a link between vitamin D status and heart health. Research suggests that low vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Cancer

Research demonstrates an association between vitamin D supplementation and decreased cancer deaths. In one study, those who supplemented with vitamin D had reduced cancer mortality by 15%. In addition, evidence shows significantly lower mortality for those individuals who supplemented with vitamin D3 compared to vitamin D2.3

Immune Health

Vitamin D plays a major role in the immune system. Research shows that those with vitamin D deficiency are at increased risk for infections as well as autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Mood

There is significant research showing the feel-good effects of vitamin D for improving mood and decreasing depression.

In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people take vitamin D to supplement treatment in a wide range of conditions, including: Dental cavities and gum disease prevention

• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Pain
• Skin conditions including psoriasis, acne, and eczema
• Thyroid and kidney disease

Possible Side Effects

Vitamin D toxicity is possible if you take too much in supplement form. Vitamin D toxicity causes increased blood calcium levels which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, confusion, and increased thirst.

Note that toxicity is rare for those who choose sun exposure as their main way of getting vitamin D because the body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced.

In the United States, the National Institutes of Health’s recommendations for vitamin D intake are as follows:

• Birth to 1 year: 400 IU/day (10 mcg)
• Between 1 and 70 years: 600 IU/day (15 mcg)
• Over 70 years: 800 IU/day (20 mcg)
• Pregnant and nursing people: 600 IU/day (15 mcg)

To maximize the effect of calcium on bone and muscle metabolism, serum vitamin D levels should be between 50 and 75nmol/L. Speak with a health care professional if you think you have symptoms of vitamin D deficiency that warrant a test.

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