There is lots more “news” recently about the importance of Vitamin D. Most of this focus has been on the importance of healthy Vitamin D levels positively impacting the immune system. With Covid infections still spiking and potentially mutant strains in our future, everyone desires as strong an immune system as possible.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and referred to as the “sunshine” vitamin, as exposure to sun causes more Vitamin D to be produced in our bodies. We have always known the importance of Vitamin D in “bone health”, as Vitamin D is essential in calcium absorption and phosphorus maintenance that translate into “stronger” bones. However, there are studies about Vitamin D also positively impacting glucose metabolism as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Focusing on the immune system, Vitamin D has been shown to enhance the function of immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells. Also, Vitamin D appears to have a positive impact on the cytokine system, which is an inflammatory response in the body that can damage lung tissue. Additionally, Vitamin D seems to have a positive impact on lung function, which, in turn, positively impacts the immune response of the body.
As Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, the more body fat, the more the body’s Vitamin D will be “sucked up” by the fat, leaving less “bioavailability” to do the necessary functions. Losing weight, especially body fat, will result in more Vitamin D being “freed up” to do its necessary work.
What is YOUR Vitamin D level? If you cannot answer this question head to your doctor or our clinic for a blood test to determine this. Many people are showing below normal levels (normal is 30-100) and requires supplemental Vitamin D. We are seeing more and more people that actually need the prescription strength Vitamin D of 50,000 IU a week.
This is yet another reason why we should all be steadfast in our weight control efforts.