New Research On The Benefits Of Vitamin D

Vitamin D has quite a few benefits when added to the diet, but isn't one of the vitamins that are readily available in a wide range of foods. In fact, D is one of the hardest vitamins to find using natural sources, although there are a few foods that can provide the benefits of D vitamins.

Every time that UV rays are absorbed into the body or you eat a food containing vitamin D, you reap benefits of this extraordinary vitamin that include reduced risk of some types of cancer, improved blood sugar and insulin management, and even reduce the risk of depression and some other types of mental disorders, such as autism. While studies aren't conclusive on the function of Vitamin D within the body, there is proof that the vitamin is metabolized by the liver or kidneys depending on the source and type of D vitamin that is ingested or absorbed.  There are two processes in the human body that activate vitamin D, termed hydroxylation.  One process occurs in the liver where vitamin D is processed into vitamin D 25-hydroxy.  Another process then occurs where the kidney produces vitamin D, 1, 25-hydroxy.

Studies have shown that an increased level of vitamin D is linked to lower disease in general. Seasonal depression is one of the most studied conditions that can be affected by increasing exposure to UV rays, which helps the body produce D vitamins. The benefits also include improved muscular and skeletal development, as well. Getting enough vitamin D in your diet can be a challenge, but there are some simple solutions to adding foods rich in the vitamin to your daily meals.

Most people get their vitamin D from cows milk that is fortified with additional vitamins, but there are some other natural sources for the vitamin. Sun exposure should be limited, since UV rays are linked to cancer, but you can safely consume chinook salmon, eggs, and shrimp to up your intake of the vitamin. Studies have also shown that too much Vitamin D can be harmful, but it is nearly impossible to consume too much of the vitamin through foods and other natural sources.

For those people using vitamin D to fight heart disease, inflammation, or other illnesses the best approach is to use a supplement to ensure enough of the vitamin is absorbed into the body on a daily basis. Supplements are more effective when used along with diary products such as milk, yogurt or cheese since calcium improves the body's ability to process and use vitamin D.  This is why historically vitamin D has been added to milk to promote good health.  According if you are lactose intolerant it is also possible that you have a vitamin D deficiency.

Studies have recently shown that vitamin D levels are linked to several different diseases, and low D levels can even cause weight gain. While the only verified studies are those showing vitamin D can prevent and treat rickets, a condition characterized by weakened bones in children with D vitamin deficiencies, there are now many links that show higher levels of vitamin D can promote general health and well-being.

Vitamin D is used in the production and management of cells in the body, which can affect every aspect of health. This vitamin is also especially important for the elderly, since the body needs more D vitamin and calcium to prevent osteoporosis and other skeletal and muscular degeneration from occurring. The preventative benefits of vitamin D are among the most beneficial for people of all ages.

The most beneficial type of vitamin D is D3, which comes from natural sunlight. Most people get enough sunlight to produce ample vitamin D in regions with plenty of sunlight year round. Some regions, such as the Northern United States, are too overcast for proper vitamin D production in humans during the winter, however. Evaluating your personal vitamin D levels, and adding a supplement if necessary, can provide the benefits of preventing illness and disease.  There is continued debate regarding the appropriate amount of vitamin d that is required to achieve maximum benefit.  Only through measuring your blood levels of vitamin D and other important vitamins / minerals, using an advanced lab test such as the Health Testing Centers' Vitamin Profile, can you ensure that you are getting the right amount of expensive supplements for your body.