Why the vitamin D is so important? Is this just a current fashion and good marketing or the story goes much more beyond? Lets start from the facts.
What is vitamin D?
- Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and it is a hormone as well
- Since Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient, it’s important to take it with the largest meal of the day
- It is present very poorly in food- almost impossible to reach substantial amount event with balanced diet
- The only vitamin that can be produced in our body, but only in the presence of ultraviolet rays (UVB) from sunlight using the cholesterol as a building block.
Is it easy to become deficient in vitamin D?
Unfortunately Yes.
- Sunscreens block UVA and UVB rays therefore block the production of vitamin D
- Getting older can reduce vitamin D levels because the mechanisms needed to synthesize its structure from cholesterol become less efficient through time.
- Obesity tends to lower vitamin D levels
What does Vitamin D do?
- Promotes calcium absorption in the gut
- Modulate the cell growth
- Helps Neuromuscular function
- Regulates Immune function and reduces inflammation
- Prevents various types of cancer
- Plays an role in the prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance
Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3?
- Vitamin D3 is the one synthetized from the cholesterol when sun strikes the skin, so it is considered more natural form
- D2 does not circulate as long in the body, which means it has a shorter half-life. It is plant based and valued among vegetarians.
- D3 is more stable than D2, meaning it has a long shelf life.
What is that Vitamin D can help with?
- Boosts immunity
- Helps with mood
- Regulates insulin levels
- Strengthens lung function and heart health
- Prevents some types of cancers
- Keeps your bones healthy
How much is enough?
Naturally, the dose is different whereas the supplementation is recommended to maintain the healthy vitamin D levels or to treat the deficiency.
At Galena Pharm, we emphasize individual approach to every single person, so give us a question if you have any particular concern about the recommended dose.