Vitamin D – The Forgotten Hormone

WHY IS VITAMIN D IMPORTANT?

Vitamin D regulates the function of a variety of tissues; in fact there are specific vitamin D receptors in almost every tissue of the body.

In addition to maintaining healthy calcium levels, vitamin D regulates hormone secretion and supports a robust immune system.

From the prevention of certain cancers to lowering elevated blood pressure, vitamin D is essential for maintaining optimal health and decreasing the risk of disease.

RISK FACTORS FOR VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

• Dark Skin

• Aging

• Obesity

• Pollution

• Living north of the 35° latitude

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Sunscreen use

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

• Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and bone fractures

• Cancers including breast, prostate, and colon

• Hypertension

• Heart disease

• Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome

• Depression

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Facial hair and acne

• Migraines

• Lowered resistance to influenza and viruses

• Pain and muscles aches

WHY SHOULD I TEST?

Most people spend the majority of their time indoors where there is no sunlight, resulting in low vitamin D levels.

Optimal vitamin D levels are essential for bone health, hormone balance and a sense of well-being.

Symptoms of deficiency can be generalized are are often overlooked.

Be proactive and identify vitamin D deficiency early.

Monitor vitamin D levels after supplementation.

THE 35° RULE

Living north of the 35° parallel significantly increases the likelihood of insufficient vitamin D levels dues to the angle of the sun in the sky. Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased risk of osteoporosis, brittle bones, psoriasis, cancer and heart disease. Many symptoms of vitamin D deficiency appear only after the deficiency has existed for many years. The first sign of vitamin D deficiency can be a fracture from a modest fall.