Vitamin D - It's NOT Just About Bones
A growing body of research continues to demonstrate that
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common and may be the most common medical condition in the world.
It has been estimated that 50% of the general population and 80% of infants are deficient in Vitamin D. Latest research has estimated that approximately 1 billion people (1/7th of the world population) have inadequate levels of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D and its receptor are among one of the oldest chemicals ‘this thing called life’ uses to maintain biologic function. Virtually every tissue type in our body has receptors for Vitamin D – which points to how important Vitamin D is to our overall health and wellbeing. It’s true we humans have the capacity to synthesize Vitamin D in our body. However, based on the latest research showing how many of us are vitamin D ‘deficient’ the majority of us need additional amounts from the sun, our diet and / or supplements in order to maintain adequate levels. Vitamin D must interact with the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a nuclear hormone receptor in order to activate the active form of Vitamin D known as calcitrol. The action of Vitamin D and VDR work together in order orchestrate an estimated 3,000 - 30,000 genes that control cell growth, help sustain immune function and help regulate metabolic activity.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk for many common and serious diseases including cancer, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infections, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Diseases and Disorders Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency
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Alzheimer’s Disease
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Autism
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Autoimmune Disease (Multiple Sclerosis)
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Cardiovascular disease
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Cancer
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Chronic fatigue
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Chronic Pain (bone/muscle/joint)
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Cognitive impairment in seniors
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Crohn’s Disease
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Depression
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Diabetes type I & II
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Hypertension
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Inflammatory bowel diseases
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Low blood calcium levels
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Mood Disorders
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Osteoporosis/Osteomalacia
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Parkinson’s Disease
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Periodontal disease
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Pregnancy Complications (premature labor, birth defects, low birth weight)
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Respiratory Infections
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Schizophrenia
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Stroke
Indicators Vitamin D Testing Should Be Evaluated
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Bladder Problems
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Breast Feeding – (If levels are low in the mother)
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Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain – Persistent and non-specific
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Gastrointestinal Imbalances (Constipation /Diarrhea)
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Head Aches
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High Blood Pressure
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Geographic Area’s with elevated Urban pollution
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Depressive signs
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Poor Concentration
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Infants & Elderly
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Lack of Energy
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Muscle Wasting
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Individuals taking Vitamin D supplementation greater than 2,000 IU / day
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Individuals with medium to dark complexions
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Individuals who do not regularly receive 20 minutes of direct sunlight each day
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Weight Gain - BMI >25
(Remember Vitamin D is fat soluble, it may get blocked in adipose (fat) tissue minimizing the body's
ability to use it)
How Often Should Vitamin D Testing Be Done
Vitamin D levels should be checked at least once a year especially in the late fall or beginning of winter. If you are taking Vitamin D supplements, supplementing, it is recommended vitamin D levels approximately every 3 months until you are in the optimal range.
Vitamin D Testing Without a Provider Visit -
"Yes You Can Monitor Levels Yourself"
http://www.mylabsforlife.com - Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy
Vitamin D Basics: This blood test measures Vitamin D 25 (OH) levels. Vitamin D, known as the "sunshine vitamin." Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone that the body can synthesize as Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UBV) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is needed for strong bones and teeth, Vitamin D helps your body absorb the amount of calcium and phosphorus it needs. It also has other roles in the body, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Though controversial at times, research demonstrating the importance of Vitamin D3 continues to accumulate, while illuminating the threats that low levels pose to overall health and well-being. Low serum Vitamin D levels have been associated with a rise in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental issues, cancer, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease, all of which are either considered risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline. Low Vitamin D levels also plays a role in hypertension, chronic pain, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, pre-term births as well as birth defects and autoimmune diseases and the list is mounting.
What's your level?
References
Here are some recommended sublingual Vitamin D supplements - Easy for anyone to take!
Suggested Vitamin D Supplement
High prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and implications for health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16529140
Scientists investigate possible connection between autism and vitamin D
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2013/autism-and-vitamin-d
From vitamin D to hormone D: fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18689389
Vitamin D — Effects on Skeletal and Extraskeletal Health and the Need for Supplementation.
http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/5/1/111
Etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders: Fitting the pieces of the puzzle together.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23622947
Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21646368
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D.
http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/DRIVitDCalcium.aspx
The Pharmacology of Vitamin D.
http://www.astro.hr/_t_07/lit_08_bio.chem/Vitamin%20D,%20Third%20Edition.pdf
Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency:
An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
https://www.endocrine.org/sitecore%20modules/web/~/media/endosociety/Files/Publications/Clinical%20Practice%20Guidelines/FINAL-Standalone-Vitamin-D-Guideline.pdf#search=%22vitamin%20d%20levels%22
Vitamin D – University of Maryland Medical Center
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-d
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