Historically, the consequences of chronic vitamin D deficiency have been on full display in cases of rickets, a skeletal disorder that results in weakening and distortion of bone growth in children without food sources of vitamin D and low sun exposure. Vitamin D supports the normal structure and function of bones and muscles. Once biologically active, vitamin D travels to organs throughout the body (intestines, pancreas, kidney, lungs, thyroid, etc.) affecting cellular health and function.īelow are some of the organ systems that benefit from vitamin D, and the negative consequences of vitamin D deficiency in select health conditions. It must shuttle first through the liver, to become 25(OH) vitamin D, and then to the kidney, to become biologically active 1,25(OH) 2 vitamin D. Vitamin D from food, supplementation, or sun exposure, is originally in an inactive form. 6 Although it plays a significant role in skeletal health, vitamin d benefits go well beyond bone health to all parts of the body. For example, vitamin D can act as an antioxidant, regulate immune activity, support cardiovascular health, modulate blood sugar balance, regulate neurotransmitter synthesis and more. Vitamin D is known for helping to balance minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium for healthy bone formation and mineralization. The benefits of vitamin d3 and consequences of deficiency 1,5 Below are some of the ways vitamin D has been shown to impact health. In contrast, vitamin D deficiency can lead to significant health consequences, and it’s estimated that 42% of American adults are deficient. Vitamin D is estimated to be involved in the regulation of up to 2000 genes, giving it significant input into the critical processes happening in cells throughout the body! 3,4 Consequently, this vital nutrient has been linked to virtually every health condition under the sun, from bone and muscle health, to brain health, pregnancy, immune activity, cardiovascular functions and more. It acts more like a hormone since the body can synthesize it from cholesterol after the skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun. Although vitamin D is called a “vitamin” (a required nutrient obtained from the diet), it is not truly a vitamin. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that performs an important role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.
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