Vitamin D, or the "sun vitamin", has been considered one of the most essential nutrients that helps regulate many processes in the body, including maintaining the proper bone structure and supporting the immune system. Most recently, vitamin D has also been included in the post-covid treatment. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency has been one of the most common problems that often remain undetected. Did you know that you can have low vitamin D levels even in the summer? This article breaks down all the important facts you need to know about vitamin D.
Why is it so important for our immune system? Vitamin D is both a nutrient and a hormone that your body produces when directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get vitamin D by consuming certain foods and taking supplements.
Vitamin D acts as a building block of many processes in the body. First, it helps maintain a healthy bone structure and the development of teeth as it promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus into the blood. For that matter, that is why vitamin D is especially important for children and the elderly.
Vitamin D also plays a key role in supporting the immune system – from reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases to maintaining good health during the flu season. A 2018 study from the University of Turin suggests that vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a higher risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, most recently, vitamin D has been widely implemented in treating COVID-19 patients, as medical data showed its potential to reduce severe illness and respiratory syndrome. Moreover, according to a clinical study conducted by a research team from the University of Chicago Medicine, patients who were vitamin D deficient were almost two times as likely to get infected with COVID than those with sufficient vitamin D status.
It is also worth considering that vitamin D supports your body and immune function and may also affect your mental health. Researchers have found indirect links between depression and vitamin D deficiency, noting that many people with depression had low vitamin D. Some clinical studies also connected vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy to postpartum depression. While vitamin D does not directly solve the issue and should not be considered a possible treatment for depression, it is often used as an additional supplement to improve the functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin D is called the "sun vitamin" because the body produces it when directly exposed to UV light. That is why it is conventionally believed that we are more prone to getting vitamin D deficiency during the winter season and have higher chances of receiving it in the summertime when we are exposed to more sunshine. Unfortunately, as most of us follow a sedentary lifestyle, spending our days in the office or at school, vitamin D deficiency has become a prevalent issue regardless of the season. In the UK, for example, it has been estimated that 1 in 5 adults have low levels of vitamin D.
What are the signs of vitamin D deficiency, and how can I check it? If you have been feeling symptoms of fatigue, bone aches, muscle pain or if you notice that your immunity has been less resistant to cold or seasonal flu, it's most likely that you need to check your vitamin D status. You can check your vitamin D levels by getting a blood test. You can take additional vitamin D supplements depending on your blood test results.
Keep in mind that overdosing on vitamin D can be potentially risky for your health as too much of it can lead to a toxic reaction in your body. It is important to get a check-up first and calculate your dose depending on your blood test results.
You can check your vitamin D levels through our 50-parameter bioniq LIFE TEST. Based on your results, you can get a bespoke supplement formula tailored to your deficiencies and your body's needs.
Finally, remember to spend more time outside and take at least a 40-minute walk in the morning before work. Nothing will replace a warm touch of sunshine on your skin!
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