29-10-2024, 07:15 AM
This is the first of a little series of postings I have in mind to share.
Vitamin D?
What do you know about it?
Perhaps I may have a couple of little surprises for you?
So why is Vitamin D important?
You may have heard of rickets? The bane of Edwardian children! Where their bones turned to rubber and their immune system shut down! Except... eventually they found this wasn't a disease, it was a Vitamin D deficiency. What is not so well recognised is that adult rickets is still commonplace, especially among the elderly.
A few other conditions associated with Vitamin D deficiency:
Osteoporosis – Vit D is essential for maintaining bone density and strength and calcium control.
Rheumatoid arthritis – Multiple studies show that women with higher Vit D are less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. People who already have rheumatoid arthritis and low Vit D tend to have more active symptoms.
Asthma – Reduced lower lung functions, impaired asthma control, especially in children. And Vit D can help as an anti-inflammatory for the lungs.
Heart health – Linked to increased risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular disease.
Inflammation – Vit D deficiency is associated with inflammatory diseases. Including lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD/IBS) and type 1 diabetes. And general immune system impairment.
Type-2 Diabetes – There is evidence of a correlation between Vit D and type 2 diabetes. As it can effect insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Cholesterol – Vit D helps regulates cholesterol levels in the blood.
Allergies – Studies show that children with low levels are more likely to have multiple food allergies.
Influenza – Studies show low Vit D is linked to respiratory infections, colds and flu. And a "certain disease" we all became rather familiar with not too long ago.
Depression – Receptors for Vit D are involved in numerous brain processes, making it likely that this vitamin could be associated with depression.
Oral health – Several recent reports demonstrate a significant association between periodontal health and the intake of Vit D. Elderly patients with low Vit D levels have a higher rate of tooth loss than those with high Vit D levels.
Cancer – A study indicated that more than 75% of people with a whole range of cancers have low levels of Vit D. And the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancers.
Quite a list huh? And more that could be added. But I think you get the idea?
There is little doubt that the best way to get Vit D is from exposing our skin to sunlight. Which sounds great in principle. But not so much if you, like me, find yourself on a soggy island in the North Sea where we might get three days of actual sunshine in a year (ok, maybe four?).
This really does matter. As understanding what Vit D is and how it is metabolised is critical for our health. EVERY cell in our body needs Vit D. And not least because very low levels of D effectively means our immune system can no longer function, and we become vulnerable to the slightest cold and sniffle and infection going around. Put simply, it is essential we have enough Vit D for our immune system to function properly!
Ever wondered why cold and flu season is in the winter? How much sun do you see? What do you think happens to your Vit D levels?
So we are left with either all of us moving to California, or supplementation?
Ok, so let's start ticking some boxes.
Vitamin D is technically not a vitamin. It functions as a hormone, and is involved with so many functions in the body it would make your head spin. And is critical for immune system function.
There are two forms of Vitamin D. D2 which comes from plants. And D3 which comes from animals.
It is generally accepted that D3 is approximately twice as active as D2. But some people may get nausea with D3 (I do). And D2 could be a more gentle alternative?
Both forms of D start out as inactive. The body can't use it! And very high levels of inactive D in our blood can actually be detrimental?
It gets stored in our fat. Which if you are more generously proportioned means there is less available for use, as basically the fat soaks it up. So if you are a bit chunky you might want to take a little more?
And it is the inactive form of D that regular blood tests look for. Which might call into question how useful the test actually is?
For it to be turned into the active form of D, it gets pulled from storage and into the liver where it is converted to the precursor, and then passed to the kidneys where it is finally released as the active form.
Starting to get complicated, huh?
What is interesting is that inactive D is fat soluble, but active D is water soluble. Which if we understand cell function makes a lot of sense? And liver and kidney function is a prime factor. So taking care of them is a reeally good idea?
Having got your head spinning, what can we do?
We should not look at Vit D in isolation. Like most supplements we should view it as part of a set. Along with Vitamin D, we should be supplementing with Vitamin K2 plus Zink & Copper, and Magnesium.
I will have more info coming on these.
Other Vitamins such as A and E are also important, but thankfully can be neatly found all together in fish oil such as Cod liver oil. Or even better, Krill oil.
Basically, Vit D grabs hold of free calcium, Vit K2 shoves it into the bones, and Vit A and E acts like glue to keep it in your skin and bones.
But as you probably have gathered by now. Vit D is not a one trick pony, as are most vitamins. And by taking this set of vitamins you are addressing multiple health issues, not just getting your D to work.
Magnesium is essential for D metabolism. But you are taking some already I hope?
Boron is also a major component for bone heath and more.
Most Vit D3 is extracted from Lanolin found in wool. Otherwise known as sheep sweat (sorry, couldn't resist ;-).
Plant based D2 from algae and mushrooms is readily available.
It has been suggested that taking D supplements with a meal is preferable?
I found that taking high dose orally, after some years started causing nausea. But topically I am absolutely fine. And there seems to be other advantages to piggybacking the natural pathway into the body?
Particularly on the chest area (hint, hint![[Image: wink.gif]](https://www.breastnexum.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
).
Back in 2020 I was following events VERY closely! The number of papers and shared information and collaboration that was flying around the world was amazing to watch!
One detail stood out.
Blood tests showed that it was when Vit D levels dropped below 40ng/ml that people were turning up at hospital.
If levels dropped below 20ng/ml death was the most like outcome.
Above 50ng/ml only mild symptoms were manifested.
Other studies have shown that above 60ng/ml, incidents of most infections illnesses are much reduced?
And above 70ng/ml indications are that it can provide some protection against cancer?
Hopefully this might spark a few questions? I can only share what I have learned, but I will do my best to answer.
DO... YOUR... OWN... RESEARCH!
But remember.... the sun is your friend.![[Image: biggrin.gif]](https://www.breastnexum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Vitamin D?
What do you know about it?
Perhaps I may have a couple of little surprises for you?
You may have heard of rickets? The bane of Edwardian children! Where their bones turned to rubber and their immune system shut down! Except... eventually they found this wasn't a disease, it was a Vitamin D deficiency. What is not so well recognised is that adult rickets is still commonplace, especially among the elderly.
A few other conditions associated with Vitamin D deficiency:
Osteoporosis – Vit D is essential for maintaining bone density and strength and calcium control.
Rheumatoid arthritis – Multiple studies show that women with higher Vit D are less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. People who already have rheumatoid arthritis and low Vit D tend to have more active symptoms.
Asthma – Reduced lower lung functions, impaired asthma control, especially in children. And Vit D can help as an anti-inflammatory for the lungs.
Heart health – Linked to increased risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular disease.
Inflammation – Vit D deficiency is associated with inflammatory diseases. Including lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD/IBS) and type 1 diabetes. And general immune system impairment.
Type-2 Diabetes – There is evidence of a correlation between Vit D and type 2 diabetes. As it can effect insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Cholesterol – Vit D helps regulates cholesterol levels in the blood.
Allergies – Studies show that children with low levels are more likely to have multiple food allergies.
Influenza – Studies show low Vit D is linked to respiratory infections, colds and flu. And a "certain disease" we all became rather familiar with not too long ago.
Depression – Receptors for Vit D are involved in numerous brain processes, making it likely that this vitamin could be associated with depression.
Oral health – Several recent reports demonstrate a significant association between periodontal health and the intake of Vit D. Elderly patients with low Vit D levels have a higher rate of tooth loss than those with high Vit D levels.
Cancer – A study indicated that more than 75% of people with a whole range of cancers have low levels of Vit D. And the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancers.
Quite a list huh? And more that could be added. But I think you get the idea?
There is little doubt that the best way to get Vit D is from exposing our skin to sunlight. Which sounds great in principle. But not so much if you, like me, find yourself on a soggy island in the North Sea where we might get three days of actual sunshine in a year (ok, maybe four?).
This really does matter. As understanding what Vit D is and how it is metabolised is critical for our health. EVERY cell in our body needs Vit D. And not least because very low levels of D effectively means our immune system can no longer function, and we become vulnerable to the slightest cold and sniffle and infection going around. Put simply, it is essential we have enough Vit D for our immune system to function properly!
Ever wondered why cold and flu season is in the winter? How much sun do you see? What do you think happens to your Vit D levels?
So we are left with either all of us moving to California, or supplementation?
Ok, so let's start ticking some boxes.
Vitamin D is technically not a vitamin. It functions as a hormone, and is involved with so many functions in the body it would make your head spin. And is critical for immune system function.
There are two forms of Vitamin D. D2 which comes from plants. And D3 which comes from animals.
It is generally accepted that D3 is approximately twice as active as D2. But some people may get nausea with D3 (I do). And D2 could be a more gentle alternative?
Both forms of D start out as inactive. The body can't use it! And very high levels of inactive D in our blood can actually be detrimental?
It gets stored in our fat. Which if you are more generously proportioned means there is less available for use, as basically the fat soaks it up. So if you are a bit chunky you might want to take a little more?
And it is the inactive form of D that regular blood tests look for. Which might call into question how useful the test actually is?
For it to be turned into the active form of D, it gets pulled from storage and into the liver where it is converted to the precursor, and then passed to the kidneys where it is finally released as the active form.
Starting to get complicated, huh?
What is interesting is that inactive D is fat soluble, but active D is water soluble. Which if we understand cell function makes a lot of sense? And liver and kidney function is a prime factor. So taking care of them is a reeally good idea?
Having got your head spinning, what can we do?
We should not look at Vit D in isolation. Like most supplements we should view it as part of a set. Along with Vitamin D, we should be supplementing with Vitamin K2 plus Zink & Copper, and Magnesium.
I will have more info coming on these.
Other Vitamins such as A and E are also important, but thankfully can be neatly found all together in fish oil such as Cod liver oil. Or even better, Krill oil.
Basically, Vit D grabs hold of free calcium, Vit K2 shoves it into the bones, and Vit A and E acts like glue to keep it in your skin and bones.
But as you probably have gathered by now. Vit D is not a one trick pony, as are most vitamins. And by taking this set of vitamins you are addressing multiple health issues, not just getting your D to work.
Magnesium is essential for D metabolism. But you are taking some already I hope?
Boron is also a major component for bone heath and more.
Most Vit D3 is extracted from Lanolin found in wool. Otherwise known as sheep sweat (sorry, couldn't resist ;-).
Plant based D2 from algae and mushrooms is readily available.
It has been suggested that taking D supplements with a meal is preferable?
I found that taking high dose orally, after some years started causing nausea. But topically I am absolutely fine. And there seems to be other advantages to piggybacking the natural pathway into the body?
Particularly on the chest area (hint, hint
).Back in 2020 I was following events VERY closely! The number of papers and shared information and collaboration that was flying around the world was amazing to watch!
One detail stood out.
Blood tests showed that it was when Vit D levels dropped below 40ng/ml that people were turning up at hospital.
If levels dropped below 20ng/ml death was the most like outcome.
Above 50ng/ml only mild symptoms were manifested.
Other studies have shown that above 60ng/ml, incidents of most infections illnesses are much reduced?
And above 70ng/ml indications are that it can provide some protection against cancer?
Hopefully this might spark a few questions? I can only share what I have learned, but I will do my best to answer.
DO... YOUR... OWN... RESEARCH!
But remember.... the sun is your friend.
