So much talk about vitamin D these days; vitamin D and the immune system, its effects on the lungs, respiratory system and Covid-19, and that most North America's are vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin - manufactured in human skin when in contact with the sun's ultraviolet rays—or ingested and absorbed through the intestinal walls. Functionally it is more like a hormone, and it is structurally related to estrogen and cortisone.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium in the body and bone homeostasis. Other benefits include preventing certain cancers, maintaining bones and teeth, and treating diabetes, eye and skin problems, asthma, and more. Increasing epidemiologic evidence links vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus.
The implications of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system have also become more evident as of late. Immune cells have vitamin D receptors. In the context of vitamin D deficiency, there appears to be an increased susceptibility to infection when vitamin D is lacking. Recent studies also link Covid-19 deaths and vitamin D deficiency. A recent study in Spain discovered that more than 80% of the patients who tested positive for Covid-19 were vitamin D deficient. More testing needs to be done to understand the correlation between vitamin D and Covid-19.
As cold and flu season is upon us, and as we live through the pandemic's challenges, immune system health is critical. Winter, cloudy days, less exposure to sunlight, ageing, and darkly pigmented skin all inhibit the sunshine vitamin production. Speak to your medical practitioner about a blood test that can measure your vitamin D levels.
In the meantime, get outdoors and incorporate foods into your diet high in vitamin D. Animal products, fish oils, egg yolks, butter, and oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, herring, and salmon are good vitamin D sources.
Reach out if you have any questions on vitamins and the direct effect on your health.
Stay safe and stay healthy,
Jen
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin - manufactured in human skin when in contact with the sun's ultraviolet rays—or ingested and absorbed through the intestinal walls. Functionally it is more like a hormone, and it is structurally related to estrogen and cortisone.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium in the body and bone homeostasis. Other benefits include preventing certain cancers, maintaining bones and teeth, and treating diabetes, eye and skin problems, asthma, and more. Increasing epidemiologic evidence links vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus.
The implications of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system have also become more evident as of late. Immune cells have vitamin D receptors. In the context of vitamin D deficiency, there appears to be an increased susceptibility to infection when vitamin D is lacking. Recent studies also link Covid-19 deaths and vitamin D deficiency. A recent study in Spain discovered that more than 80% of the patients who tested positive for Covid-19 were vitamin D deficient. More testing needs to be done to understand the correlation between vitamin D and Covid-19.
As cold and flu season is upon us, and as we live through the pandemic's challenges, immune system health is critical. Winter, cloudy days, less exposure to sunlight, ageing, and darkly pigmented skin all inhibit the sunshine vitamin production. Speak to your medical practitioner about a blood test that can measure your vitamin D levels.
In the meantime, get outdoors and incorporate foods into your diet high in vitamin D. Animal products, fish oils, egg yolks, butter, and oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, herring, and salmon are good vitamin D sources.
Reach out if you have any questions on vitamins and the direct effect on your health.
Stay safe and stay healthy,
Jen
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