Vitamin D

Since COVID-19 has emerged and has decimated the world, I thought this a good time to have a lengthy conversation about Vitamin D.

As you know there are water soluble vitamins like vitamin B and C, and there are fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D. Fat soluble means that the vitamin can be stored in fat. Vitamin D has to undergo two enzymatic reactions to become active. One takes place in the liver and the other in the kidney. The active form of Vitamin D is 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D has beneficial effects in the absorption of phosphorous and calcium in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, vitamin D has positive effects on immune function, enhances the secretion and action of insulin, cell growth and neuromuscular function.

VITAMIN D MAY BE OF ASSISTANCE IN THE FOLLOWING DISEASES

1. COVID-19
2. Flu
3. Hepatitis C
4. Critical Illnesses
5. Asthma
6. Diabetes
7. Fatigue
8. Cancer(s)
9. Parkinson’s Disease
10. Systemic Lupus
11. Muscle aches and pains
12. Osteoporosis

During the aging process, vitamin D may become deficient. Low or deficient levels of vitamin D leads to softening of bones muscle weakness and bone pain. Additional symptoms patients may complain of are tension type headaches, fatigue and even lower back pain.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY RISK FACTORS

1. Areas of high pollution
2. patients with dark skin
3. avoiding sunlight
4. obesity
5. advancing age
6. poor or malabsorption syndromes int he gastrointestinal tract such as crohn’s disease or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

DRUGS THAT CAN EFFECTIVELY DEPLETE VITAMIN D

anticonvulsants, statin drugs, cardiac drugs, steroids, aromatmase inhibitors specifically for muscle skeletal symptoms.

DOSAGE OF VITAMIN D

Optimal dosage is 800 -1200 IU/day to prevent falls and fractures. However, performing blood work to evaluate is mandatory. There are many food sources you can get vitamin D from as well, such as: fish, milk, orange juice, and high quality breakfast foods.