Vitamin D

"Vitamin D"

Question: Should I start Vitamin D supplements?

Dr.Madan: Before answering this question let me first tell you a bit about Vitamin D

What you should know about Vitamin D?

It is a fat soluble vitamin that exists in various forms. The animal form is Vitamin D3 and the plant form is Vitamin D2. They are not biologically active; they must be modified in the body to have any effect. The active form is a hormone known as 1, 25 di-hydroxyvitamin D3 or Calcitriol.

How is Vitamin D produced in our body?

 

Vitamin D is not a true vitamin. Believe it or not the basic component of Vitamin D in our body is Cholesterol. Cholesterol is converted to 7 – Dehydrocholesterol. With the help of Ultra Violet – B (UVB) from sun rays 7 - Dehydrocholesterol is converted to Cholecalciferol and this is further modified in the liver and kidney to become the active hormone – 1, 25 di-hydroxyvitamin D3.

Fact Number 1

Think you are soaking up Vitamin D through office/car windows? Wrong. Glass blocks virtually all UVB, preventing vitamin D from being made

Fact Number 2

Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will decrease the amount of vitamin D made in the body by about 99%.

Sources of Vitamin D

What is the optimal level of Vitamin D in the blood and how much vitamin D do I need?

The most advantageous serum concentration of 25(OH)D seem to begin at 75 nmol/L, with optimal levels being between 90 and 100 nm/L. An intake of greater than or equal to about 1000 IU may be needed for most of the population.

So, why is Vitamin D so important?

Nearly every tissue and cell in our body has Vitamin D receptor. Without enough activated Vitamin D in the body, dietary calcium CANNOT be absorbed. Calcium is essential for signaling between brain cells, development of bone, and tooth formation. Studies also reveal that low Vitamin D levels in the body are associated with:

• Increase loss of muscle strength and mass as we age
• Increase risk of cancers 
• LOWER LEVELS OF IMMUNITY – Maybe this is the reason for the recurrent cold and cough 
• Higher blood pressure 
• The development of neurological disorder 
• The development of diabetes

Did you know?

    Spending 20 minutes outside in the summer sun produces 100 times more vitamin D than you need. And once serum levels reach 150 nmol/L, any excess is inactivated.Thanks to Mother Nature Soo, in summary, following is what you need to do:  

1. Wake up 30 minutes earlier and bake yourself in the sun for at least 20 minutes. 
2. If you feel you have Vitamin D, deficiency get a 1, 25 di-hyrdoxy Vitamin D blood test. 
3. If you cannot bake yourself in the sun, ensure you get a good Vitamin D supplement. 

Hope this article is beneficial. Make sure your Vitamin D levels are adequate.