Vitamin D is more than just a vitamin. It plays a role in:

• Calcium Metabolism
• Precursor to hormones that regulate more than 1000 human genes
• Stimulation of Insulin Production
• Modulation effect of B and T lymphocytes
• Heart muscle contractibility
• Helps in the promotion of Thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion
• Improves muscle strength

During winter up to 70% of the population may suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. Those at the greatest risk of deficiency include:

• The elderly
• Dark-skinned individuals
• Healthy people who spend most of the time indoors
• Those with food allergies and sensitivities due to decreased gut absorption
• People with liver and kidney disease
• Certain medications
• People who are overweight

Vitamin D deficiency has also been implicated in the following diseases:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic Lupus erythematosus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Some forms of cancer

More and more research is emerging that point to the importance of vitamin D and the role it plays in the body. In practice Vitamin D deficiency is something that we are more routinely checking clients for and treating. I think that if you spend most of your time indoors during winter, like most of the Melbourne population, then you need to have your Vitamin D levels checked. Recommended healthy blood levels for Vitamin D is between 100 – 175nmol/L

(Cannell JJ, Hollis BW. Use of vitamin D in clinical practice. Alt Med Rev 2008;13(1):6-20)

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So if you are catching cold after cold, feeling run down, tired, fatigued and have sore muscles then vitamin D deficiency is something that you should consider.

Tags: automimmune disease, cancer, immune system, Vitamin D, vitamin d deficiency