The Surprising Roles of Vitamin D & Why Your Levels May Be Low

Surprising roles of Vitamin D that you may not have known

Few nutrients hold as much significance as Vitamin D. Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” its profound impact on various aspects of our well-being cannot be overstated.

Did you know that Vitamin D is required for nearly all cells in the body?

1. Bone Health: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis and rickets.
2. Immune Function: Vitamin D is involved in modulating the immune system and helps the body defend against infections. Adequate Vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases and respiratory infections.
3. Mood Regulation: Vitamin D receptors are found in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
4. Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that Vitamin D may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
5. Cancer Prevention: Research indicates that Vitamin D may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
6. Muscle Strength: Vitamin D is believed to contribute to muscle strength and function, which is essential for mobility and reducing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
7. Metabolic Health: Adequate Vitamin D levels may help regulate insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
8. Brain Health: Emerging research suggests that Vitamin D may play a role in cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

Isn’t Sunshine enough?

While sunlight exposure is a primary source of Vitamin D for many individuals, several factors can limit its effectiveness in achieving optimal Vitamin D levels:

1. Season and Geographic Location: The angle of the sun and the intensity of UVB rays vary depending on the season and geographic location. In regions with long winters or high latitudes, sunlight may be insufficient for Vitamin D synthesis during certain times of the year.
2. Time of Day: Vitamin D synthesis is most effective when the sun is high in the sky (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.). Sun exposure outside of these hours may be less efficient at producing Vitamin D.
3. Skin Pigmentation: Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, acts as a natural sunscreen and reduces the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D. Individuals with darker skin tones require more extended sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as those with lighter skin.
4. Clothing and Sunscreen Use: Wearing clothing that covers most of the skin or using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) can block UVB rays, hindering Vitamin D synthesis.
5. Age: As people age, the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D decreases. Older adults may require more sun exposure to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels.
6. Air Pollution: Pollution in the atmosphere can absorb or scatter UVB rays, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the skin and limiting Vitamin D synthesis.
7. Indoor Lifestyle: Modern lifestyles often involve spending more time indoors, whether at work, school, or home. Limited outdoor activity can decrease sun exposure and, consequently, Vitamin D synthesis.
8. Some medications can cause vitamin D deficiency
   • Laxatives.
   • Steroids (such as prednisone).
   • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as cholestyramine and colestipol).

    

Given these factors, relying solely on sun exposure may not always be sufficient to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels. Incorporating Vitamin D-rich foods into the diet and considering supplementation, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may be necessary to ensure adequate intake and support overall health and well-being.

Not all Vitamin D supplements are the same. Some people have difficulty converting vitamin D to it’s active form so in these cases taking it’s active form may be the best option.

Our Naturopaths are experts are reading your blood test results and can even measure your Vitamin D levels in clinic with a simple test. If a supplement is required we will recommend the best form for your situation.

Lastly is is worth considering that Vitamin D deficiency could be a signal you need less screen time and more green time so get into nature and enjoy!