Vitamin D deficiency: the symptoms, and what to do

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin exposed to the sun and is essential for the proper functioning of the body. According to Dr. Michael Hollick, the most common medical condition in the world is a deficiency

Vitamin D plays a key to your overall health and wellness. This vitamin is also known as the sunshine vitamin because when the sunlight hits your skin, your body uses cholesterol to make D3.

There are two kinds of vitamin D, vitamin D2 and, Vitamin D3. D2 is made from plants, such as mushrooms, and D3 is made from animal sources such as fish oil.

There are many different benefits to this vitamin and that is because it is a hormone, this is because it keeps the body’s calcium levels balanced.

Regulates the immune system, which helps prevent allergies, autoimmune disorders, and degenerative diseases according to many researchers.

Helps to protect us against infections caused by viruses and bacteria.

In winter it reduces the risk of contracting the flu and other respiratory viruses.

Prevents certain types of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer.

Researchers at the University of California, in San Diego, have even claimed that vitamin D deficiency could be a “root cause” of all types of cancer.

SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Vitamin D deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, but these symptoms may not appear for several months to several years.

Then some people do not experience any symptoms at all, therefore it is advisable to get tested.

This test is a blood test that checks the concentration of the metabolite 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (calcidiol), with the ideal ranging between 60 to 70 ml.

This is under the guidance of different researchers and organizations such as the Vitamin D Council, Vitamin D Society, and Grassroots Health.

LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS, THERE ARE SOLUTIONS

To reach the levels needed, 10-30 minutes of sun exposure during the midday and doing this at least three times a day.

Along with sun exposure, eating mushrooms, which are the only plant source for vitamin D.

Many doctors still recommend supplementary doses on the order of 400-800 IU / day, but they are insufficient. An exaggerated fear of toxicity persists among professionals. 

Poisoning is rare and occurs by accident when consuming very high doses, as renowned expert Michael Hollick says in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings magazine.

A dose of 10,000 IU per day does not represent any risk in adults and does not require special monitoring, as long as there is no specific health issue, such as sarcoidosis which may require clinical supervision.

After 2 or 3 months it is advisable to carry out an analysis and readjust the dose if necessary.

Once the desired level is reached, the same dose should be continued and analyses performed every one or two years.

The absorption of vitamin D can be optimized by taking cofactors such as vitamin A (5,000-10,000 IU), vitamin K2 / MK-7 (150-200 mcg), magnesium (400-600 mg), boron (3-6 mg), and zinc (15-20 mg).

WHAT DOES VITAMIN DO FOR US

IMMUNE BOOSTER

Research from the University of Copenhagen has shown that vitamin D is an activator of the immune system, fighting off illnesses by arming T cells which are on a constant search and destroy mission looking for invaders in the body.

Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels increase autoimmune disorders and in this study, 22% of percipients reported a reduction in their disorder.

For the regeneration of cells and their repair, vitamin D is needed and this has been shown in studies to kill off cancer cells and slow the progression of cancerous tumors.

STRENGTHENS THE BONES AND MUSCLES

Studies show that for calcium to be deposited into the bones, vitamin D is needed, and in another study, a deficiency can lead to chronic muscle pain and fatigue.

In this study, people with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have arthritis, muscle pains, and general chronic pain throughout the body.

IMPROVES THE FUNCTIONING OF THE HEART

With dozens of studies on the effects of vitamin D on the heart, taking a supplement can help protect you from high blood pressure, heart inflammation, and insulin sensitivity.

Research shows that vitamin D helps to lower blood pressure and therefore also reduces the risk of a stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS

Studies have shown that low D3 levels are linked to high cholesterol levels and low vitamin D levels have been shown to be linked to higher LDL and triglyceride levels.

HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS

This study showed that overweight women who had low levels of calcium and started a daily regime of calcium and vitamin D were able to lose weight better than compared with a placebo.

HELPS TO FIGHT DEPRESSION

While more research needs to be done, some research has shown a link between vitamin D levels and depression.