Vitamin D is often called the Sunshine Vitamin.  In the past it was primarily thought of in raltion to calcium absorption and to prevent the disease of rickets in which vitamin D deficiency causes weak bones and bowed legs.  Recently there has been an absolute avalanche of studies showing vitamin D to be an important nutrient for everything from heart disease to autoimmune problems.  Recently the recommended dose has been raised from 400 IU to 2000  and now to 4000 IU per day for adults. Some people may require up to 12,000 IU per day,or more. 

Calcium Balance

Maintenance of serum calcium levels within a narrow range is vital for normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as for bone growth and maintenance of bone density. Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body 

Cell Differentiation

Cells that are dividing rapidly are said to be proliferating. Differentiation results in the specialization of cells for specific functions. In general, differentiation of cells leads to a decrease in proliferation. While cellular proliferation is essential for growth and wound healing, uncontrolled proliferation of cells with certain mutations may lead to diseases like cancer. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)₂D, inhibits proliferation and stimulates the differentiation of cells.

Immunity

Vitamin D in the form of 1,25(OH)₂D is a potent immune system modulator.  There is considerable scientific evidence that 1,25(OH)₂D has a variety of effects on immune system function, which may enhance innate immunity and inhibit the development of autoimmunity.

Insulin Secretion

Animal studies suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D plays a role in insulin secretion under conditions of increased insulin demand (10). Limited data in humans suggest that insufficient vitamin D levels may have an adverse effect on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes (noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; NIDDM) (11-13).

Blood Pressure Regulation

angiotensin system is thought to play a role in some forms of human hypertension, Adequate vitamin D levels may be important for decreasing the risk of high blood pressure.

Muscle Weakness and Pain

Vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness and pain in children and adults. Muscle pain and weakness were a prominent symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in a study of Arab and Danish Moslem women living in Denmark (21). In a cross-sectional study of 150 consecutive patients referred to a clinic in Minnesota for the evaluation of persistent, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, 93% had serum 25(OH)D levels indicative of vitamin D deficiency

Source: Linus Pauling Institute

Inflammation

Vitamin D is a steroid and like cortisone, it seems to dampen inflammation.  That may account for it's effect on muscle pain.  Unlike cortisone it actually helps blood sugar and bone density.  It seems to help with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type I diabetes (see the research links below), as well as many types of inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian fibroids, and

Sun Exposure

30 minutes of full body sun exposure is calculated to generate 10,000 iu of vitamin D.  This is full body exposure.  Sunblockers or clothing will block vitamin D synthesis.  You need adequate cholesterol to synthesize vitamin D which may be a problem for vegetarians and people on low fat diets.  There is a theory that it takes up to 24 hours for the vitamin D to be fully absorbed from the skin so that if you wash exposed areas with soap you may lose the vitamin D.  The suggestion is to rinse off and use soap on armpits and privates, if you are counting on getting enough vitamin D from the sun alone.

Skin color

Skin pigmentation can lower vitamin D synthesis from the sun.  There is a theory that this is why African Americans have a higher incidence of prostate and breast cancer.

Testing

A standard blood test is available. I have noticed that some MD's are now ordering this test, although many are not.  The test costs about $45 and I can order it. You must get the correct test.  The "normal" lab values are typically too low. I like to see values above 75.  So far only a few of my patients have adequate values on initial testing.

Supplementation

I find Biotics Bio-D Mulsion Forte convenient, effective and economical.  There is some potential for overdosing and anyone taking more than 6000 IU should be monitored with a simple blood test (I can order this test as a discount price or you can get it through your family MD). 

One significant new finding is that vitamin D has an important role in the immune system.  There are studies showing that it helps prevent influenza and other infectious diseases.  On the other end of the immune spectrum  other conditions.

Dr. George Manlove

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Manlove, unless otherwise noted. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Manlove. Dr. Manlove encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.