Vitamin D is becoming one of the most important vitamins for overall health, healing and disease fighting!
What is vitamin D and why do we need it?
Well to start with vitamin D, strictly speaking, is not actually a vitamin, but we’ll get more on that a little bit later.
There is a lot of current research coming out about the far-reaching effects of vitamin D on various functions of the body. Once thought of as only a major component for the absorption of calcium which is used in the strengthening of bones, is becoming more evident that this vitamin is crucial in an ever-growing variety of systems in which it supports everything from a healthy immune system to mood augmentation.
The hottest subjects for quite some time in the nutritional supplement/vitamin marketplace has been vitamin C and vitamin E.
As of lately, these two superstars are being forced to share the limelight with vitamin D. Vitamin D in all actuality is not a vitamin in the true sense of the word at all. It is what is known as a co-hormone. This is because it is actually related to a group of steroid molecules.
Cholecalciferol as vitamin D is also known as is produced by exposing the skin to sunlight. By doing so “D” is synthesized within the body and so there is no need for it to be stored as true vitamins are.
Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD, who heads the Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory at Boston University School of Medicine says that Activated vitamin D is one of the most potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth, in addition it regulates your immune system.
The most important biological function of this vitamin is to help our bodies produce normal levels of both phosphorus and calcium. Probably the best-known factor of this pseudo-vitamin is its necessity to be present for the proper absorption of calcium which is essential for maintaining and building strong bone density.
In addition to the research that shows vitamin D’s ability to help guard against osteoporosis, it has recently been shown to be a key factor in inhibiting high blood pressure in many individuals.
As the research grows on this vitamin the importance of it in our bodies is becoming more evident with just about every new report that gets issued. Probably one of the most exciting aspects of the importance of this vitamin is its ability to fight the growth of cancer cells as well as helping strengthen our immune systems.
Vitamin D
It is almost impossible to obtain in proper levels through our diet. This is due to the fact that there are very few foods that actually contain an abundant amount of the supplement. Some of the foods that do would include fatty fish such as tuna or Macrole or by adding supplements such as omega-3 oils such as fish oils themselves.
Small amounts of vitamin D can be consumed through eating other foods such as beef, liver, cheese and the yolks of eggs but for those individuals that are on a low cholesterol diet these foods may not provide a sensible alternative to simply supplementing your D consumption through either pills or vitamin D fortified foods.
Of course probably the best known foods for bolstering our vitamin D would be dairy products such as milk and eggs. Because it is so difficult to get within our normal diet many food producers are now including “D” fortified products such as cereals, breads and other everyday food items. Thanks to this fact it is a little easier to ingest a somewhat higher amount of this vitamin within your everyday diet.
The best natural way to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D in your system is by getting consistent exposure to sunlight. When our skins are exposed to ultraviolet light, which we get from the rays of sunlight, our bodies synthesize D3.
This actually can be a great way to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D in addition supplements. Your time in the sun can be as short as 10 minuets a day. Of course if you have fair skin too much sun exposure may pose other problem os use common sense in this matter.
With all this new evidence that’s coming out in regards to the multifaceted benefits of having a sufficient supply of vitamin D every day it just makes good sense to include it as part of an every day nutritional supplement plan for better health.
Also see… Vitamin D Deficiency – Vitamin D Overdose — Vitamin D Side Effects for more information!
Good information. I have been hearing a lot about the importance of vitamin D and now I can see that it is something that needs to be included in my daily health plan.
You have really covered this topic well. Great site very informative!
I think anyone who is unable to get sun throughout the majority of the year should consider supplementing, since it’s pretty much impossible to obtain enough Vitamin D through diet alone.
Yes very informitive, im 34 and just found out after blood work i have low levels of vit D
I was worried because i do consume more than usual Vit d …I am always eating food with vit D so i dont understand why it would be so low.
I have a question on Vitamin D my results was 30
vitamin D3 was 30 Vitamin D2 <4
What does this mean?
please decipher the difference between VIT. D and VIT. D 3. I do have prostrate cancer . Thanks
This is certainly somegreat information. Never knew that views may very well be this mixed.
How much of the body needs to be exposed to the sun and how much vitamin d would I obtain? How long would I need to spend in the sun in a day and how often (once a day, several times a day, once a week, etc?)? How long before it takes for levels to drop to below normal (no exposure to sun or no consumption of vitamin d)? Does lack of vitamin d lower sperm count/motility and reduce libido?