Do you know that Vitamin D is estimated to be involved in the regulation of up to 2000 genes? Now, that’s a lot of input into the critical processes happening in every cell throughout the entire body, isn’t it?
Consequently, this vital nutrient has been linked to almost every health condition under the sun, from bone and muscle health, to brain health, pregnancy, immune activity, cardiovascular functions and more. In contrast, vitamin D deficiency can lead to significant health consequences.
Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds that includes vitamins D-1, D-2 and D-3. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.
Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a enough vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.
If your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D, you’re at risk of developing bone abnormalities such as soft bones - osteomalacia - or fragile bones - osteoporosis.
1. Vitamin D fights disease
In addition to its primary benefits, research suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in:
•reducing your risk of multiple sclerosis
•decreasing your chance of developing heart disease
•helping to reduce your likelihood of developing the flu
2. Vitamin D reduces depression
Research has shown that vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. In one study, scientists found that people with depression who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms. In another study of people with fibromyalgia, along-term chronic condition, researchers found vitamin D deficiency was more common in those who were also experiencing anxiety and depression.
3. Vitamin D boosts weight loss
Consider adding Biotevia Vitamin D supplements to your diet if you’re trying to lose weight or prevent heart disease. In one study, people taking a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement were able to lose more weight than subjects taking a placebo supplement. The scientists said the extra calcium and vitamin D had an appetite-suppressing effect. In another study, overweight people who took a daily vitamin D supplement improved their heart disease risk markers.
The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency in adults include:
Few foods contain vitamin D naturally. Because of this, some foods are fortified. This means that vitamin D has been added. Foods that contain vitamin D include: