Vitamin D Research
Vitamin D Research
Vitamin D Research
Metaboiism
by Ingrid Kohlstadt MO, MPH
www.l NG RI Dients.com
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Optimizing Metabolism
Inactive vitamin D is stored in adipose tissue, but it is only
available as fat is metabolized. This may apply to other fatsoluble vitamins and phytonutrients as well. Excess adipose
tissue reduces the amount of active vitamin D available in
the bloodstream.
In summary, vitamin D may be bringing to life the body's
interconnectedness, not unlike Ezekiel and the Valley of
Dry Bones.
Immune System
Several clues from field epidemiology suggest that
autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis,
multiple sclerosis, and immune-related cancers occur
at increasing rates the farther one lives from the equator.
Could vitamin D mediate this risk factor?
Sunshine has also helped strengthen the immune system
against infections. For more than 100 years, doctors have
advised patients with active tuberculosis to spend time in
the sun. Outbreaks of tuberculosis, plague, and influenza
spread more aggressively among populations in higher
latitudes than in temperate regions, suggesting a possible
vitamin D connection.
A pregnant mother's vitamin D status shapes the
development of her child's immune system. Studies have
shown a protective eftect of higher maternal vitamin D
status against asthma and allergies. The research propels the
hypothesis that optimal vitamin D intake can help protect
an unborn child from dysregulation of the neuroimmune
system. In other words, vitamin D may reduce whatever
environmental insults cause autism. If so, this represents a
tremendous public health opportunity for prevention.
Interactions with Marketed Products
Vitamin D is also a big deal because our understanding
of this vitamin touches on many products and influences
how we view them.
Cosmetic products such as suntan lotion block vitamin
D absorption.
Tanning beds, although mostly ultraviolet light in the
UVA spectrum, also contain enough UVB to boost
vitamin D synthesis.
Several classes of medications interact with vitamin
D. Patients with seizures may experience medicationrelated vitamin D deficiency due to increased
metabolism of vitamin D associated with older
antiepileptics. Lower vitamin D stores can contribute to
loss of seizure control.
Vitamin D is added to infant formula. If most mothers
have less than optimal levels in breast milk and infant
formula is based on breast milk levels, optimal vitamin
D levels should be considered and are likely to vary
based on geographic location.
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