by Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola:
Story at-a-glance
- Global vitamin D deficiency affects all ages and ethnicities, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address this widespread issue
- Adequate vitamin D is essential for overall well-being, playing a role in preventing a spectrum of diseases, from bone disorders to chronic illnesses
- While generally safe, vitamin D supplementation should be personalized based on individual needs and monitored to ensure optimal levels and avoid issues
- Vitamin D is involved in immune function, regulating both underactivity and overactivity, and is important for fighting infections and preventing autoimmune diseases
- Safe sun exposure is the ideal way to boost vitamin D, but careful management is key, especially for those consuming seed oils
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In the world of health and wellness, vitamin D shines brightly, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” This essential nutrient plays a role in numerous bodily functions, impacting everything from bone health to your immune system. The 2024 International Virtual Vitamin D Forum & Expert Panel Discussion shed light on the latest research and clinical applications of vitamin D, emphasizing its importance in maintaining optimal health and preventing disease.1
Vitamin D Deficiency Is a Global Problem
Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is a global concern. Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D researcher, highlighted the prevalence of this issue, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and action. Even in sunny regions, a significant portion of the population has insufficient vitamin D levels. This deficiency leads to various health problems, including:
•Bone diseases — Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, which is essential for strong bones. Deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Holick presented research showing that even seemingly healthy individuals sometimes have evidence of osteomalacia, highlighting the subtle but significant impact of vitamin D deficiency on bone health.
•Immune system weakness — Vitamin D plays a role in immune function. Deficiency increases your risk of infections, including respiratory illnesses. Holick presented data from studies showing that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 and experiencing severe outcomes. He also highlighted the role of vitamin D in supporting both innate and adaptive immunity, emphasizing its importance in overall immune health.
•Chronic diseases — Studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Holick presented data from various studies showing a correlation between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of these conditions.
Holick also addressed The Endocrine Society’s updated guidelines on vitamin D, which have sparked debate among experts. The guidelines recommend a daily intake of 600 IU for adults under 70 and 800 IU for those over 70. However, many experts argue that these recommendations are too low to achieve optimal vitamin D levels, especially for individuals with darker skin tones or those with limited sun exposure.
Dr. Sunil Wimalawansa, a clinician-scientist with over four decades of experience, added to the discussion by highlighting the concept of vitamin D as a “threshold nutrient.” He explained that your body’s response to vitamin D changes depending on the existing levels.
At lower levels, even small increases in vitamin D intake have significant benefits. However, as levels approach sufficiency, the benefits diminish. This concept underscores the importance of individualizing vitamin D supplementation based on baseline levels and health goals.
Many Women Are Deficient in Vitamin D During Pregnancy
Vitamin D plays an important role during pregnancy, supporting both maternal and fetal health. Studies have shown that adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy reduce the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth and other complications. Holick emphasized the importance of vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women, suggesting that higher doses are often necessary to achieve optimal levels.
Holick presented data from his research showing that a significant percentage of pregnant women, even those taking prenatal vitamins, are vitamin D deficient. He highlighted the consequences of this deficiency, including an increased risk of C-sections and premature births. He also discussed research indicating that higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy are associated with a reduced risk of dental caries in infants.
Vitamin D Linked to Reduced Cancer Risk and Brain Benefits
Dr. William Grant, a renowned vitamin D researcher, presented evidence linking vitamin D to a reduced risk of cancer. Studies have shown that individuals with higher vitamin D levels have a lower risk of developing various types of cancer, including colon, breast and prostate cancer. The findings suggest that vitamin D plays a significant role in cancer prevention.
Grant discussed the pioneering work of Cedric and Frank Garland, who first identified the link between UVB exposure and reduced cancer risk. He presented data from ecological studies showing a correlation between higher solar UVB levels and lower cancer mortality rates. Grant also highlighted the importance of considering vitamin D’s impact on both cancer incidence and mortality.
While the effect on incidence may be modest due to the influence of other risk factors, vitamin D has a stronger effect on mortality by reducing angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and metastasis (spread of cancer).
Emerging research indicates that vitamin D also plays a role in brain health. Studies have linked higher vitamin D levels to a reduced risk of cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, the findings suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels helps protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Grant highlighted the importance of considering the follow-up time in these studies, as longer follow-up periods may dilute the observed benefits. He suggested that vitamin D may have a more significant impact on brain health over shorter periods. Grant also discussed research indicating that vitamin D supplementation leads to improvements in brain health within months.
Addressing Concerns About Vitamin D Safety and Toxicity
Vitamin D expert Wimalawansa addressed concerns about vitamin D safety and toxicity. He emphasized that vitamin D is generally safe when taken in recommended doses. However, excessive intake leads to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by high calcium levels in your blood.
Wimalawansa provided guidelines for safe vitamin D supplementation, emphasizing the importance of individualizing doses based on factors such as body weight, sun exposure and health conditions.
