Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that is used by the body to maintain levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood. This vitamin is needed for bone growth, nerve function, neuromuscular function and immune function. Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is one form of the vitamin used by humans and synthesized in the skin when exposed to the sun's UVB rays.
Sources of Vitamin D
Daily exposure to the sun for short periods of time can be effective in reducing the possibility of vitamin D deficiency. Some people are at risk for a deficiency of vitamin D. Those are risk are the elderly, obese individuals, babies that are solely breastfed, those with cystic fibrosis and individuals who have Crohn's disease.
Health Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation
Several studies have been done and more are in progress on the effects of vitamin D to various medical conditions. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body.
Researchers have been investigating a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and the onset of autoimmune diseases. In addition, studies are being done to test the effectiveness of treating those affected by autoimmune activity with vitamin D supplementation. Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune prostatitis have been part of those study groups. There is some evidence to show that taking a daily supplement of vitamin D3 can reduce the symptoms and effects of these diseases. Other autoimmune disorders that may be helped by vitamin D include:
- Osteoporosis: Deficiencies in vitamin D have been shown to reduce the absorption of calcium which can lead to osteoporosis if the vitamin D levels remain low for long periods of time. The results of a study done in 2009 in Switzerland at the Geneva University Hospital showed that a daily supplement of both vitamin D and calcium prevented osteoporosis from worsening while reducing the number of falls that occured in the elderly. The reduction of falling led to a decrease in hip fractures.
- Alzheimer's Disease: Research is being done by universities on the effects of vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer's Disease. Some studies have shown that the vitamin is effective in reducing the symptoms of dementia and decreasing the risk of getting the disease. Additionally studies are underway to see if vitamin D combined with curcumin can remove Amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer patients.
- Cancer: In 2005, the American Cancer Society reported that two studies were done on whether vitamin D supplements could reduce the risk of developing ovarian, breast and colon cancers. Although the data was inclusive, continued research is being done to determine the role that vitamin D plays in the development or prevention of cancer.
Sixty years of research has been done on a large variety of conditions, including cancer, that may experience beneficial changes due to vitamin D supplementation. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 2000 IU for adults and children over one year of age. It is best to check with a physician when considering beginning a vitamin D supplement regimen.
Sources:
MayoClinic: Vitamin D
National Institute of Health: Dietary Supplement Face Sheet Vitamin D
Kimberly McRae - Kimberly McRae is a Christian author of two published books. Specializing in health, travel, outdoor, hobby, and Christian articles.
