The ‘Sunshine’ vitamin – D3
Vitamin D is not just necessary to prevent rickets developing in children as was once thought. There has been ongoing research into is potential and action in the body since it was identified in 1913.
It is unusual in that it is both a nutrient and a hormone. ‘This transformation from a vitamin to a hormone means it can bind its nuclear receptor, orchestrating a cascade of events’. It is known that it has beneficial effects on the liver, the parathyroid glands, heart, bones, intestine, pancreas, red blood cells, macrophages – thus influencing our immune system – cells in breast, colon and prostate cells and kidneys. Every major organ in fact. Obviously, something we need to take seriously.
The mineral, magnesium, plays a crucial role in the activation of Vitamin D. The process by which vitamin D3 is transported in the blood between skin, liver and kidney […] utilises magnesium. Sadly, our food has much lower magnesium content than before the war. This is due to more intensive farming methods and the swing to artificial fertilizers, originally to increase production in the post-war years. It is generally accepted that some form of magnesium supplement would benefit many people.
What chronic conditions have been linked to low levels of Vitamin D?
Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular health, Mind, memory and mood, Pregnancy, fertility support autoimmune and inflammatory conditions…
I guess it is important to supplement vitamin D3 then.
A recommended dose ranges from 400 to 5,000IU depending on reasons for taking it. It is best taken with a small amount of high fat food like avocado. If you are on medication please check for listed interactions and get medical approval before taking this supplement.
A list of references provided on request wendyguilfoyle@hotmail.com
From an article by Lamberts http://www.lambertshealthcare.co.uk
Latest Blogs
- Dinosaurs To Brain Health 8th August 2023
- It’s Oh So Quiet! 27th June 2022
- The colours of Autumn 22nd November 2021
- Eczema – a possible solution 12th October 2021
- A Flotilla of Gulls 20th September 2021