Vitamin D: a pro-hormone
What’s the hype with Vitamin D??
First let’s start at the beginning.
Vitamin D is one of the fat soluble vitamin, others are Vitamin A, E & K. Vitamin D is actually a pro-hormone. As a pro-hormone it needs to be activated by sunlight or other sources of UV light. It goes through the liver (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and kidney to make the active form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH)2D), which is a steroid hormone.
2 Types of Vitamin D
Vitamin D3, aka cholecalciferol
Found in fish, and a small amount in beef liver, egg yolk
Vitamin D2, aka ergocalciferol
Found in fungi
Why is Vitamin D important?
Enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption
Promotes bone strengthening
Supports neurotransmitter function
Support immune function
Enhance secretion of insulin
Useful for
Rickets (widely known to prevent and treat), weak & soft bones in children
Viral Infections
Bacterial Infections
Skin: Eczema, Vitiligo
Asthma
Burns
Cancer
Crohn’s
Cystic Fibrosis
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Fatigue
Hearing loss
Parkinson’s disease
PCOS
SLE
Risks for Vitamin D deficiency
Low intake of Vitamin D in diet
Advanced age
Obesity
Dark skin
Living above 35 degrees latitude, around tall buildings
Pollution
Staying indoors
Sunscreen
Certain medications (laxatives, steroids, etc.)
Ways to increase Vitamin D?
Food
Sunlight, UV light
Supplements
Signs of low vitamin D
Frequently ill
Fatigue
Depression
Hair loss
Joint & muscle pain
How to test for Vitamin D?
A blood test can be done
normal level >30
Optimal level 60-80
Ways to increase Vitamin D?
Food - fish, cod liver oil, egg yolk, beef liver
Sunlight or Redlight 20-30mins daily. Darker skin would need more time in the sun. Unfortunately air pollution has also affected the levels of Vitamin D absorption.
Supplement. Best is to eat your vitamin D with healthy fats for increased absorption
Have you gotten your vitamin D levels checked?
Schedule an appointment and we can work together to bring your vitamin D to optimal levels!