Vitamin D functions

Vitamin D acts as a steroid hormone in the body. It is a fat soluble vitamin and is made from cholesterol in the skin at the presence of UVB light (direct sun exposure). So people who’s cholesterol is low or high may have Vitamin D (25-OH-D) deficiency.

Cholecalciferol (D3) is the preferred form supplementation. Then D3 converts to Calcidiol (25-OH-D) which may have steroid hormone, then Calcidiol converts calcitriol (1,25-di-OH-D) to the main active form of Vitamin D. The liver, kidney and small intestine help in converting.

Supplementation: sun and cod liver oil (best brand available- we use Standard Process products).

Sunlight: sunblock prevents Vitamin D production through the skin. White skinned can make 10 times more Vitamin D compared to dark skinned. UV light does not penetrate glass.

Some of the functions of Vitamin D:

Cardiovascular:

• Anti-inflammatory (via cytokines pathway)
• Inhibits vascular calcification
• Decreases smoothe muscle proliferation
• Anti-hypertensive, it is a natural ACE inhibitor (inhibits the kidney produced hormone Renin)

• Other Functions

• Prevents cancer, including colon, breast, ovary, prostate, lung and skin
• Protects against autoimmune diseases including MS, RA and others…
• Protects against diabetes 1&2, syndrome X, obesity, and insulin resistance
• Protects against cardiovascular diseases
• Needed for bone health, decreases muscle and joint pain
• Required for calcium absorption and metabolism
• Facilitates memory and cognition
• Protects against neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
• Helps prevent depression, SAD, and fatigue

For ongoing research visit www.vitamindcouncil.com