Vitamin D is most commonly produced by the body as a response to exposure to sunlight and ingesting through certain foods or dietary supplements. Vitamin D is not a vitamin, but a prohormone, the precursor to a hormone, this is because unlike vitamins, the body can self-create a prohormone such as Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth and protections against a range of diseases, illnesses and conditions.
The Main Benefits of Vitamin D
For healthy bones and teeth:
Humans require vitamin D for their intestines to stimulate and absorb calcium and reclaim calcium that the kidneys would otherwise excrete.
Supporting immune, brain, and nervous system health:
There is increasing evidence of Vitamin D being an essential contributor to a fully functioning immune system and its role in aiding the body fight flu and even coronavirus. (Covid-19). (https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/es28/resources/covid19-rapid-evidence-summary-vitamin-d-for-covid19-pdf-1158182526661)
Diabetes management:
Vitamin D is believed to assist the body’s sensitivity to insulin and therefore, the regulating of blood sugar levels. This reduces the risk of insulin resistance, which is a common precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Healthy pregnancy and children:
Pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D may have a greater risk of developing preeclampsia and preterm birth whilst a 2013 study associated high vitamin D levels during pregnancy with an increased risk of allergies in a child during the first 2 years.
Vitamin D deficiency has links to high blood pressure in children with a study in 2018, finding a connection between low vitamin D levels and stiff arterial walls in children. There are also several studies that highlight a link between lessen the likelihood of allergies in children who are exposed to more regular levels of sunlight.
Vitamin D Deficiency
What are the causes of Vitamin D deficiency?
Your skin type can reduce the body’s ability to absorb the ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) rays from the sun which is essential for the production of vitamin D. This can also be impacted by the essential use of sunscreen. An average SPF 30 sunscreen can reduce the body’s ability to provide Vitamin D by 95%.
In addition to your skin, the location and therefore, exposure periods to the sun can reduce the Vitamin D production. People nearer the equator, in careers or regions where outside work or activities or more popular will less often be affected. Night workers or those living in densely populated areas are more likely to suffer a deficiency. In light of the COVID-19 lockdowns imposed throughout regions and countries and the restrictions on outside activity, there is a possibility of increased Vitamin D deficiency in populations in general.
Vitamin D supplements can be taken and are widely available. However, it is best to obtain all vitamins or minerals through natural sources.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:
- regular sickness or illness
- fatigue and general tiredness
- bone and back pain
- mood changes
- muscle pain
If Long-term complications to low or deficient vitamin d include:
- cardiovascular conditions
- autoimmune issues
- neurological diseases
- infections
- pregnancy complications
At-home testing kit
At-home testing is the best way to understand more about your vitamin D levels in a convenient, low-cost kit. A simple prick of blood into the testing cartridge and the test will provide you with the information you need to either continue on your existing wellness journey or consult with a medical practitioner.
