Benefits of Vitamin D
 

Every cell in the body has receptors for vitamin D, so obviously this nutrient is much needed in the body.  Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of the immune system, and also helps us to build strong bone structure and healthy teeth.  Vitamin D also seems to function as an antioxidant than may be even more effective than Vitamin E.  Low Vitamin D consumption is linked to higher levels of lead in the bones, say researchers at Harvard University's School of Public Health.  If you didn't get much vitamin C or iron, these accumulations of lead were even higher.  (American Journal of Epidemiology, 1998) 

Osteoporosis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have all been associated with low levels of Vitamin D.  So has glucose intolerance, which means that vitamin D may have a role to play in preventing diabetes as well as obesity and overweight, since those with abnormal blood sugar levels often have a hard time staying at their ideal weight.  In addition, David Feldman of Stanford University School of Medicine says that vitamin D is a "potent force in regulating cell growth, immunity and energy metabolism."

Inadequate Vitamin D Contributes to Depression, PMS & more

Inadequate vitamin D levels also seem to contribute to depression, perhaps because of D's involvement in producing some of the neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine and dopamine.  Infertility, PMS and menstrual migraines are also associated with low levels of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium.  On the other hand, getting enough D can benefit eye problems including spots and glaucoma, and help protect against colon cancer.

Recently, vitamin D has been shown to help fights cancers and diabetes, help create a hormone that protects muscle, and inhibit autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).   In addition, many of these newly recognized benefits of vitamin D seem to need blood concentrations much higher than those needed simply to protect and strengthen our bones.

Getting D From the Sun
Getting D from the Diet
Vitamin D Deficiency
D Supplementation
D Toxicity

1. Abu-Amer Y, Bar-Shavit Z. Regulation of TNF-Alpha Release from Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophges by Vitamin D, J. Cell. Biochem.:  1994:  55:435-44.
2. Sardar S, Chakraborty A, Chatterjee M.  Comparative Effectiveness of Vitamin D3 and Dietary Vitamin E on Peroxidation of Lipids and Enzymes of the Hepatic Antioxidant System in Sprague – Dawley Rats.  Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res.:  1996: 66:39-45.
3. Puchacz E, Stumpf WE, Stachowiak EK, Stachowiak MK, vitamin D Increases Expression of the Tyrosine Hydroxylase Gene in Adrenal Medullary Cells, Brain Res. Mol. Brain Res., 1996:  36: 193-6.