Are Vitamin D Supplements Worth It

Are Vitamin D Supplements Worth It

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global vitamin supplements market size is expected to reach USD 71.37 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. The market is predominantly driven by the growing awareness regarding the nutrition intake associated with health.

The nutraceutical industry is an evolving and dynamic sector, which offers novel opportunities to collaborate scientific discovery with the growing consumer interest in health-enhancing foods. It tracks and monitors consumer trends and relationships with mass distributors, thus the products developed in this industry are a response to direct demand. It is used to improve health, delay the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, increase life expectancy, and support the structuring and functioning of the body.

Key Insights & Findings from the report:

• On the basis of type, the multivitamin segment dominated the market in 2020 with a revenue share of over 40.0%. This is due to the high demand for a blend of vitamins for the overall improvement of health and wellness
• In terms of form, gummies are expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 7.0% from 2021 to 2028. It is a sweet jelly-like form, is easy-to-carry, and offers better taste, good mouth feel, and essential nutrients
• Based on distribution channel, the online segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028 as it provides ease of ordering the required supplements directly from the website, along with free shipping and home delivery services
• North America dominated the market with a revenue share of over 30.0% in 2020. The increasing demand for functional food and health supplements among consumers is a major factor driving the market in the region
• In 2020, Pharmavite, the U.S.-based dietary supplement manufacturer, launched personalized vitamin and supplement subscription service as an extensive brand of Nature Made. This service helps the company to improve its brand value and customer relations.

Read 150 page market research report, " Vitamin Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Multivitamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K), By Form, By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028 ", by Grand View Research

Awareness among consumers regarding health and wellness is shifting the trend toward the "Prevention is better than cure" ideology. This has resulted in more consumers relying on nutraceuticals, functional foods, and dietary and vitamin supplements to lead a healthy and disease-free life.

Nutraceuticals including vitamin supplements have received immense focus in the recent past owing to their nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits along with being safe for consumption without significant side effects. This has led to an explosive growth of the nutraceutical market across the globe.

Vitamin supplements are widely consumed as nutritional supplements across the world as they are useful in the treatment of various diseases and support overall immunity. The manufacturers operating in the market have witnessed an increase in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grand View Research has segmented the global vitamin supplements market on the basis of type, form, distribution channel, and region:

• Vitamin Supplements Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)
• Multivitamin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin Supplements Form Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)
• Powder
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Softgels
• Gummies
• Others
• Vitamin Supplements Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)
• Offline
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Others
• Online
• Vitamin Supplements Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)
• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Russia
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia & New Zealand
• Central & South America
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• GCC

List of Key Players of Vitamin Supplements Market

• Glanbia Plc
• Pfizer Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Amway Corp.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc.
• Good Health New Zealand
• The Nature's Bounty Co.
• NOW Foods
• Abbott
• Herbalife Nutrition
• Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.
• NU SKIN
• RBK Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd.
• American Health, Inc.
• Pharmavite.

Check out more studies related to nutrition supplements and foods, conducted by Grand View Research:

• Prenatal Vitamin Supplement Market– The prenatal vitamin supplement market size was valued at USD 377.2 million in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period. Increasing awareness about a healthy diet and proper medication among pregnant women is a key factor driving the market.
• Functional Foods Market – The global functional foods market size was estimated at USD 161.49 billion in 2018. It is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for nutritional and fortifying food additives is anticipated to drive the growth.
• Nutritional Supplements Market– The global nutritional supplements market size was valued at USD 310.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic & rising demand for nutritional supplements to improve health are the key driving factors.

Browse through Grand View Research's coverage of the Global Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods Industry .

Gain access to Grand View Compass , our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

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Are Vitamin D Supplements Worth It

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vitamin-supplements-market-size-worth-71-37-billion-by-2028-grand-view-research-inc-301434774.html

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Vitamin D Test Cost In Kolkata

Vitamin D Test Cost In Kolkata

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Are you getting enough sun? In many parts of the world, that might prove difficult during the winter months — and it can impact more than your sunny disposition.When exposed to sunshine, our bodies produce vitamin D, something our bodies need to maintain healthy bones and teeth; support our immune and cardiovascular systems; and stave off certain diseases, like type 1 diabetes. Some reports suggest that roughly three-quarters of American teens and adults might not be getting enough vitamin D. So, how can you turn that number around?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) makes recommendations for what one's daily intake of vitamin D should be based on age, gender and other factors. The recommendations, in micrograms (mcg), can be summarized as follows:

Photo Courtesy: Sean Gladwell/Getty Images

• Infants (up to 12 months): 10 mcg daily
• Children (1 to 13 years): 15 mcg daily
• Teens (14 to 18 years): 15 mcg daily
• Adults (19 to 50 years): 15 mcg daily
• Older adults (51 to 70 years): 15 mcg daily
• Seniors (70+ years): 20 mcg daily

So, how can you supplement your vitamin D intake if all that basking in the sun isn't cutting it? Thanks to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we've rounded up 10 healthy foods that can help you reach those daily vitamin D goals.

Salmon

Salmon comes in quite a few different varieties — canned sockeye salmon, smoked chinook salmon, canned pink salmon, cooked sockeye salmon, cooked pink salmon and even cooked wild coho salmon — and all of them are chock-full of vitamin D. All of these options will help you hit your goals. After all, a three-ounce serving of canned sockeye salmon contains 17.9 mcg of vitamin D, while a three-ounce portion of cooked sockeye salmon contains 11.1 mcg of vitamin D.

Photo Courtesy: Justin Ong/Getty Images

Smoked Whitefish

Want to change up that salmon intake? Whitefish can help with that. While whitefish are a species of fish, the term also refers to a cluster of types of fish, all of which have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Some of the most popular "whitefish" include pollock, bass, cod, halibut, grouper and haddock. On average, a standard three-ounce serving of smoked whitefish contains an impressive 10.8 mcg of vitamin D.

Photo Courtesy: Bohemian Nomad Picturemakers/Getty Images

Swordfish

If you're looking for a terrific source of vitamin D, and to break up all that whitefish and salmon, try swordfish. These creatures can grow to be a whopping 1,400 pounds — and nearly 15-feet in length. While you wouldn't want to tangle with one of these in the ocean, encountering it as a nice, grilled steak is a treat. Best of all, a three-ounce portion will provide you with 14.1 mcg of vitamin D.

Photo Courtesy: Shawn Miller/Getty Images

Tilapia

Tilapia is a cluster of fish species that aren't found in nature. That is, tilapia is a farmed fish, which makes it pretty inexpensive. This mild species is the fourth most common type of seafood eaten by Americans, in part because of its versatility. We recommend a nice herb-and-parmesan crust, but, any way you slice it (or season it), a three-ounce portion will provide you with 3.1 mcg of vitamin D.

Photo Courtesy: Mike Kemp/Getty Images

Canned Tuna

Not into canned food? Well, canned fish should probably be your exception. In fact, canned tuna, in addition to being readily available and inexpensive, can make an abundance of tasty meals, from tuna salad and melts to casseroles. Best of all, a three-ounce serving of light tuna canned in oil contains about 5.7 mcg of vitamin D.

Photo Courtesy: LauriPatterson/Getty Images

Mushrooms

The five fish options we've listed above might not have surprised you, but this one might. Many varieties of mushrooms — including portabella, cremini, morels, chanterelles, maitake, and even your basic white button mushrooms — are excellent sources of vitamin D. In fact, half a cup of grilled portabella mushrooms delivers an impressive 7.9 mcg of vitamin D.

Photo Courtesy: Robert Lowdon/Getty Images

Eggs

Eggs — and, in particular, egg yolks — are one of the easiest, cheapest and quickest ways to nab some vitamin D. However, they may not be the food of choice for folks with high cholesterol. If your diet allows, whip up two scrambled eggs and enjoy getting 5% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin D first thing in the morning.

Photo Courtesy: valentinrussanov/Getty Images

Milk

Milk is more than just a great source of calcium. In fact, vitamin D is among its significant nutritional benefits. When it comes to a 16-ounce serving of cow's milk, the vitamin D content varies based on the milk's composition. For example, whole milk contains 6.3 mcg of vitamin D, while 2%, 1% and skim milk all contain 5.9 mcg. Even soy and dehydrated (powdered) milk will help you reach your goals by providing 5.8 mcg and 3.4 mcg of vitamin D respectively.

Photo Courtesy: JW LTD/Getty Images

Yogurt

Milk is not the only dairy product capable of delivering some serious vitamin D benefits. Of course, the nutritional value of yogurt changes depending upon the variety. For example, Greek-style yogurt contains more protein and less sugar than other types of yogurt. Nonetheless, you can still expect anywhere from 2 to 3 mcg of vitamin D per eight-ounce serving, regardless of the variety of yogurt.

Photo Courtesy: Westend61/Getty Images

Pork

So far, you've seen lots of fish and dairy options. You might be wondering, Where's the meat? Well, generally speaking, beef and chicken are not great sources of vitamin D. In fact, if you're a meat lover in search of some vitamin D, pork is your best bet. The nutritional value of pork varies depending upon the cut, method of preparation and more, but you're likely to find between 0.2 to 2.2 mcg of vitamin D in a standard three-ounce serving of pork.

Photo Courtesy: EasyBuy4u/Getty Images

Resource Links:

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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Vitamin D Test Cost In Kolkata

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Vitamin D Deficiency Swelling

Vitamin D Deficiency Swelling

A person may not realize that they have a vitamin D deficiency, but there are some symptoms to look out for.

This article explores the signs and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, as well as possible complications, treatments, and when to see a doctor.

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Some sources of vitamin D include milk, white mushrooms, and cooked sockeye salmon.

Vitamin D is important for health. Some of its roles in the body include:

• helping with the absorption of calcium
• maintaining healthy bones
• regulating genes and cell growth
• preventing rickets and osteoporosis
• modulating the immune system

Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods, and often in amounts too low to help a person meet their daily recommended intake. In response, manufacturers fortify several foods with the vitamin.

According to a 2020 review, 50% of the worldwide population has insufficient levels of vitamin D. In the United States, 35% of adults have the deficiency.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is highest among older adults, people with obesity, and people in hospitals and other care facilities.

Many people with vitamin D deficiency have no symptoms. However, the deficiency can cause the following issues.

Frequent infections or illnesses

Vitamin D helps support the immune system — it plays a role in regulating immune function and inhibiting inflammatory reactions.

It can also help prevent infections in the upper respiratory tract.

Fatigue and muscle weakness

Because vitamin D is key to bone health, an insufficient amount can cause bone and muscle weakness, which can lead to fatigue.

Researchers behind a 2014 study that included 174 participants with fatigue found that taking supplementary vitamin D for 5 weeks significantly improved fatigue symptoms.

Bone and joint pain

Vitamin D can increase bone mass and prevent bone loss. If someone has bone and joint pain, it may indicate a vitamin D deficiency.

Joint pain could also result from issues such as rheumatoid arthritis. A 2012 study linked vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of developing the condition.

Fractures

Adequate vitamin D in the body helps maintain bone strength by supporting the absorption of calcium.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, this is particularly important for females after menopause, which can cause bone density to decrease and the risk of osteoporosis to increase.

If someone has a fracture, the doctor might test their vitamin D level, depending on the person's age and health history.

Depression

The authors of a 2019 review have found that lower levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of depression.

There are vitamin D receptors in the brain, and the research indicates that the vitamin has a protective anti-inflammatory effect.

As a result, the scientists conclude, a person with very low vitamin D levels and depression may benefit from taking a supplement of the vitamin.

Slow wound healing

If wounds take longer than usual to heal, it might be a sign of low vitamin D levels.

Results of an in vitro study suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in wound healing because it regulates growth factors and other compounds that form new tissue.

Another study has found that people with leg ulcers were more likely to have vitamin D deficiencies. Those who took 50,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D every week for 2 months experienced better wound healing, the researchers observed.

The deficiency can develop at an early age. In response, U.S. health authorities mandate that infant formula is fortified with 40–100 IU/100 kilocalories of vitamin D.

Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency in children include:

• irritability
• lethargy
• bone pain or fractures
• deformities of the teeth
• developmental delays

A vitamin D deficiency can lead to further health issues.

Rickets

Rickets develops from a vitamin D deficiency, and it is rare in the U.S.

The condition tends to occur in babies and preschool-age children, though it can arise in older kids. It affects the development of the bones, wrists, knees, and joints in the ribs, and it can cause bowing of the legs.

Doctors treat rickets with vitamin D supplements and by ensuring that there is enough calcium in the diet.

Cardiovascular disease

According to 2013 research, there is a connection between vitamin D levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease. This may be because vitamin D protects the heart and combats inflammation.

An older review found that low vitamin D levels are linked to other conditions that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease — conditions such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

Autoimmune disease

Vitamin D is a natural immune modulator, and research suggests that low levels of the vitamin may be connected to autoimmune diseases, including:

• type 1 diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn's disease

The National Institute for Health and Care Management have the following guidelines for doctors about managing vitamin D deficiencies:

• Recommend treatment if a person's vitamin D level is under 25 nanomoles per liter (nmol/l).
• Recommend treatment if the level is 25–50 nmol/l, and there are other indications of the deficiency.
• If the level is adequate (above 50 nmol/l), give advice about how to prevent the deficiency.

Adults with vitamin D deficiency

require

6,000 IU of vitamin D-3 every day for 8 weeks or 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks.

When a blood test shows that the person's level of vitamin D has adequately increased, the doctor may recommend a 2,000 IU daily maintenance dosage.

They may also suggest a calcium supplement and give other dietary and lifestyle advice.

Food sources

It can help to ensure that the diet includes plenty of vitamin D. Below are some foods that contain high levels of the vitamin:

Supplements

Supplements and fortified foods contain vitamins D-2 or D-3.

Manufacturers use fungi and yeasts to manufacture D-2, and this form is suitable for people on a vegan diet. They use lanolin from sheep wool to produce D-3.

Research indicates that at higher doses, vitamin D-2 is less potent than D-3.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of vitamin D deficiency should speak to a doctor.

Many people have no symptoms but can find out if they have adequate levels with a simple blood test.

Vitamin D deficiency is common, and people may not realize that they have it.

Anyone with symptoms of the deficiency should see a doctor. Also, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements that would exceed the recommended daily intake.

Vitamin D Deficiency Swelling

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms

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Upspring Wellbaby Vitamin D

Upspring Wellbaby Vitamin D

Vitamin D is needed to support healthy bone development and to prevent rickets, a condition that causes weak or deformed bones. Vitamin D deficiency rickets among breastfed infants is rare, but it can occur if an infant does not receive additional vitamin D from foods, a vitamin D supplement, or adequate exposure to sunlight.

Do infants get enough vitamin D from breast milk?

Breast milk alone does not provide infants with an adequate amount of vitamin D. Shortly after birth, most infants will need an additional source of vitamin D.

To avoid developing a vitamin D deficiency, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfed and partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU per day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life. Families who do not wish to provide a supplement directly to their infant should discuss with a healthcare provider the risks and benefits of maternal high dose supplementation options.

Once a child has started eating solid foods, parents can make sure their child is getting enough vitamin D from foods or supplements.

Why are infants at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

The risk for vitamin D deficiency is increased when there is limited exposure to sunlight or when an infant is not consuming an adequate amount of vitamin D. Although reducing sun exposure is important for preventing cancer, it also decreases the amount of vitamin D that a person can make from sunlight.

Other factors that decrease the amount of vitamin D a person can make from sunlight include:

• Living at high latitudes (closer to the polar regions), particularly during winter months.
• High levels of air pollution.
• Dense cloud covering.
• The degree to which clothing covers the skin.
• Use of sunscreen.
• Darker skin types.

Upspring Wellbaby Vitamin D

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/vitamin-d.html/

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Low Vitamin D And Colon Cancer

Low Vitamin D And Colon Cancer

Reader Question: I have a family history of cancer and have heard that lack of vitamin D might increase your risk. Should I take a supplement?

It can't hurt. An impressive (and growing) body of evidence supports a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer. One new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that low levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of death from any cause.

So how much D do you need? Unfortunately, we really don't know. The National Academy of Sciences currently recommends 200 IUs of vitamin D for people up to age 50 and 400–600 IUs for people older than that. (Note: These numbers include the vitamin D you get from food, and also the vitamin D your body manufactures when your skin is exposed to sunlight.) But some experts think that a higher amount (800–1,000 IUs) would offer additional health benefits. At the very least, I'd take a multivitamin that includes vitamin D. You should also ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level (it's a simple blood test) to find out where you stand. The American Medical Association is in the process of doing a comprehensive report on vitamin D, and when the results are available I'll be sure to share them with you.

I want to hear from you, so e-mail me your questions at dailywd@womansday.com.

Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD's providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area.

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Low Vitamin D And Colon Cancer

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Garden Life Vitamin D

Garden Life Vitamin D

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Vitamin D is important for maintaining a healthy body, primarily because it helps you fully maximize your body's absorption and utilization of calcium, an important mineral that we all need. When paired with calcium, vitamin D helps regulate bone remodeling and growth, ensuring healthy, strong bones. Vitamin D can also help protect older adults from osteoporosis, which occurs due to excess bone loss from aging.

Furthermore, this nutrient boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation within your body, potentially warding off future medical conditions in the process. It also plays a vital role in cell growth, neuromuscular functions and protein encoding. Studies have shown that a regular, healthy vitamin D intake can also serve as an antidepressant and make people feel generally happier. But that's not all you'll want to know about vitamin D.

Vitamin D is naturally found in certain foods and now appears in many more foods that have been fortified with added nutrients. The best sources of naturally occurring vitamin D are oily fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, sardines and mackerel. Fish liver oils are another good source of vitamin D. Small amounts of the nutrient are present in beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms.

Photo Courtesy: Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images

Commonly, vitamin D-fortified foods include whole milk, orange juice, margarine and breakfast cereals. It's important to look at the label and nutrition facts to verify that vitamin D is in a particular food you're considering. Because dairy products are often fortified with vitamin D, lactose intolerant or vegan individuals should keep an eye on their diets to ensure they get enough of the vitamin.

Sun exposure is another method of naturally obtaining vitamin D, as our bodies can create their own vitamin D upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. However, it's difficult to gauge exactly how much sun exposure can generate sufficient vitamin D, as overexposure can be harmful, too. UV rays are also known to trigger free radicals, which can lead to skin cancer if left unchecked.

It's been suggested that getting approximately 15 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at least twice a week to your face, arms, legs or back will help your body synthesize enough vitamin D. It's important to note that you can't cover the exposed area of your body with sunscreen if you choose to get vitamin D naturally. The SPF blocks UV rays and can hinder your body's ability to create vitamin D. If you're in the shade or behind a window, the rays will not get through. If the climate where you live is primarily cloudy, it's important to get your recommended amount of vitamin D via other means.

Dietary supplements are also an excellent way of obtaining vitamin D. Supplements come in two forms: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is identical to the form your body makes when exposed to sunlight, and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which differs slightly from D3 in its chemical side-chain structure. There's some evidence that vitamin D3 increases and maintains overall levels slightly better than vitamin D2.

Side Effects of a Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you don't adequately absorb the nutrient or when your kidneys can't convert the nutrient to its active form. This deficiency can result in medical conditions, two of which are called rickets and osteomalacia.

Photo Courtesy: RealPeopleGroup/E+/Getty Images

Rickets, a disease characterized by a failure of bone tissues to get enough minerals, can result in abnormal, soft bones and skeletal deformities. It's most common in children. Fortunately, it isn't permanent, and kids can consume as few as 1 to 3 teaspoons of cod liver oil a day to reverse the condition.

With the help of fortified foods today, rickets is almost obsolete in the United States. Osteomalacia, characterized by soft and weak bones, is usually present in adults. It's commonly treated with an intense regimen of vitamin D replacement under the care of a physician.

Vitamin D and Other Health Conditions

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease, and people with lower levels of vitamin D appear to be at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. However, the exact relationship isn't clear, and there appears to be no benefit to cardiovascular risk in taking a vitamin D supplement.

Photo Courtesy: PixelsEffect/E+/Getty Images

Research is also ongoing to find if there's a link between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis (MS). It appears that vitamin D deficiency is linked to the development of MS, and people with MS and higher levels of vitamin D appear to have reduced disease activity.

Low vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of contracting respiratory illnesses such as influenza A. It appears that people with low vitamin D levels are at greater risk of severe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. It's not clear yet if routine vitamin D supplementation would reduce this risk.

Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance, it can stay in your body for several days. Thus, vitamin D poisoning is possible if you supplement too much vitamin D over a period of a few months. Symptoms of vitamin D overdose include dehydration, vomiting, decreased appetite, irritability, constipation and fatigue. If left unaddressed, vitamin D poisoning can lead to anorexia, over-calcification of the bones and internal organs, kidney stones and hypertension (high blood pressure). It's important to note that vitamin D poisoning usually only occurs with excessive intake of dietary supplements. It's highly unlikely to occur as a result of normal dietary intake and sun exposure.

Daily Dosage Recommendations

The recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D vary depending on your age and other health and life circumstances, such as pregnancy. For infants under 12 months, the recommended intake is 400 international units (IU) or 10 micrograms (mcg). For individuals under 70 years old, the recommended intake is 600IU (15mcg). For individuals over 70 years old, the intake increases to 800IU (20mcg).

Photo Courtesy: katleho Seisa/E+/Getty Images

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or other medical concerns, it's best to talk to a healthcare professional about determining your recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D. This way, you can be sure the vitamin doesn't interact negatively with your condition or medication.

Resource Links:

https://medlineplus.gov/vitamind.html

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620058.html

https://bestpractice.bmj.com/patient-leaflets/en-gb/pdf/3000049/Vitamin%20D%20deficiency.pdf

https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/641

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/537616/SACN_Vitamin_D_and_Health_report.pdf

https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/adjunctive-therapy/vitamin-d/

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Garden Life Vitamin D

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Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Low Immune System

Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Low Immune System

A comprehensive study in 2018 found that as much as 40% of the population has measurable vitamin D deficiency. Why is this a problem?

Vitamin D plays a critical role in cardiovascular function, mood, fertility, and immune function. So how did we end up with such rampant insufficiency and what can we do about it?

In this article, you'll learn exactly what vitamin D is, how it can improve your health, and what you can do to get your levels where they need to be.

What Is Vitamin D?

The name vitamin D is kind of a misnomer. Vitamin D actually functions more like a hormone, and is produced by the kidneys. At a minimum, vitamin D primarily controls blood calcium concentration, this keeps your heart beating and blood pressure levels normal.

When vitamin D levels are optimized, it actually has dozens of other functions, including supporting the production of immune cells, and a stable mood. You can get more vitamin D by eating the right foods, with vitamin D supplements, or by spending more time in the sunlight.

Vitamin D deficiency is serious, and vitamin D deficiency symptoms include increased susceptibility to infection, as well as mood disorders, and even hair loss.

D3 Vs. D2

There are a few different types of vitamin D, and you'll learn which one is important to measure, and which type you should be concerned about.

Vitamin D has two variants: D2 and D3. The active form of vitamin D (meaning, the one your body can use right now) is 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25 D) or calcidiol–you may see this appear on a test as 25 D or 25(OH) Vitamin D3 .

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is an inactive precursor for vitamin D, which can be converted to active vitamin D in the kidneys. Previously, it was thought that D2 and D3 were equal in function, but we now know that D2 is only about 50-60% as effective as vitamin D3 in supplementation.

Browse D3 supplements in the CentreSpringMD shop.

Vitamin D Benefits

Hundreds of different genes possess receptors for vitamin D, indicating that vitamin D is active throughout the body. The following are the benefits of vitamin D.

Vitamin D and Immune Health

Adequate vitamin D benefits overall immune function and the health of specific immune cells.

Vitamin D is important for modulating both adaptive and innate immune response via receptor sites on the surface of B- and T-cells, two classes of immune cells (1).

Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection, and can impair the maturation of healthy white blood cells, which help the body to fight illness (1). Integrative medicine has long recognized the functional benefits vitamin D has upon proper immune function.

A meta-analysis of 25 studies containing more than 10,000 subjects found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection across all patients participating (2). Vitamin D benefits other parts of the immune system as well…

Vitamin D and Autoimmune Conditions

Deficiency in vitamin D is also associated with higher rates of autoimmunity, and this may be due to its effect upon immuno-modulatory T-cells.

Autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata (hair loss), and lupus are impacted by the function of T-cells and vitamin D deficiency.

Now, this doesn't mean that vitamin D will protect you from developing autoimmunity, or from experiencing a flare-up, but we do know that adequate vitamin D levels benefit the healthy function of immune cells, which in turn decreases risk for autoimmunity.

This is why your functional medicine provider at CentreSpringMD will test for nutrient deficiencies when working with you to get your autoimmunity into remission.

Vitamin D and Metabolic Health

"Vitamin D deficiency plays a role in a multitude of chronic conditions, including type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and several common deadly cancers." according to one study (3).

Vitamin D's role in regulating calcium homeostasis plays a direct role in insulin secretion, which is a factor for both Type I and Type 2 diabetes.

What's more, obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance can negatively impact kidney function, hindering the kidneys ability to convert inactive vitamin D2 precursors to its metabolically usable form.

Vitamin D and Mood

Depression affects nearly 7 percent of the adult population in the united states, and is the single most significant cause of

disability in this country. Additionally, the appropriately named Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects anywhere from 10 to 20 million people a year.

Could vitamin D play a role in the health and regulation of our mood?

In one study, vitamin D supplementation supported mood and an improvement in depressive symptoms similar to treatment with light therapy, which is standard for treatment of SAD symptoms (4).

Patients with depression and other mood disorders also have markedly lower levels of serum vitamin D levels when compared to healthy controls. A truly integrative medicine approach to treating mood disorders will factor in nutrient status, including vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D and Hair Loss

Some hair fall every day is normal, and is part of a follicle moving through each phase of hair growth. But if you're starting to notice more hair than usual in your hair brush or the drain, you may have one type of hair loss that can be affected by vitamin D and T-cell mediated immune function.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which hair falls from the scalp in round patches all over the head. This is a little different than other types of hair loss due to things like stress, PCOS, or pregnancy, for example.

Alopecia areata is associated with reduced vitamin D levels, but researchers are still working to find out why exactly this is (5).

Vitamin D and Weight Loss

Postmenopausal women who were participating in a weight loss program lost on average 5 more pounds during a 6-week period than women whose vitamin D levels were not brought up to a healthy baseline (6).

This means that women who are having trouble losing weight should consider whether increasing their vitamin d could help with loss efforts.

Obesity also increases the risk for vitamin D deficiency, which could also be a double-edged sword for effective weight loss. On any weight loss journey, it's important to optimize micronutrients to support a functional approach to healthy weight loss.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

If you're experiencing any of the following, it's best to talk to your integrative medicine practitioner to get a blood test. From there, they can recommend the best course of action to get your vitamin D levels back up, and provide a followup test to check your progress. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include:

Depressive symptoms or changes in mood

Vitamin D plays a role in managing mood, and patients with depression have been shown to have decreased levels of vitamin D.

Frequent sickness

Vitamin D is essential for regulating immune function, and healthy T-cell mediated immunity

Hair loss

Studies show low levels of vitamin D in individuals with alopecia areata, a type of autoimmune hair loss.

Fatigue

Vitamin D has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue in otherwise healthy individuals (7)

Worsening asthma symptoms

Studies show a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in children with asthma, and low levels were also correlated with more severe asthma attacks (8).

Bone weakness and muscle pain

Vitamin D deficiency can result in general muscle pain in both adults and children.

Discover your vitamin D status today, and work with a functional medicine provider to develop a simple, easy-to-follow treatment plan.

Vitamin D Levels

Each person's individual vitamin D absorption varies significantly, but the Vitamin D Society recommends maintaining optimal vitamin D levels from 100-150 nmol/L. They also determined that levels below 80 nmol/L are "not adequate for any body system" (9).

Currently, the National Institutes for Health (NIH) state that a serum concentration of greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L is generally adequate for most healthy individuals (10).

The best way to find out the truth about your specific vitamin D status is by getting your levels tested and speaking with an integrative medicine provider about an individualized plan.

Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency

Dark skin. Melanin in skin doesn't absorb as much UV radiation, which inhibits the synthesis of vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin.

Age. As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at making vitamin D from the sun.

Location. If you live in a country with little sunlight, or if it's too hot to spend time outside during the summer, you could become vitamin D deficient over time.

Diets low in fish and animal products, dairy.

Indoor lifestyle. With screen use showing no sign of decreasing, we spend more time inside, and less time outside during sunny months when we historically were exposed to more vitamin-D-synthesizing sunlight.

Obesity. Studies have shown a correlation with low serum vitamin D levels and obesity (3).

Malabsorption due to digestive diseases such as Crohn's, celiac, IBD, or IBS, etc.

How to Get More Vitamin D

Vitamin D Foods

To get more vitamin D from foods, eat more:

• Egg yolks
• Fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
• Fortified dairy and cheese
• Cod liver oil
• Mushrooms

Sunlight

The easiest, least expensive way for us to get more vitamin D is to simply spend time outside. In the summer, do this responsibly in places where temperature allows (i.e. 10-15 minute intervals are adequate, be mindful of prolonged heat exposure and the risk of sunburn).

Vitamin D Supplement

A high-quality D3 supplement can be a good way to bridge the gap of vitamin D deficiency if you're not able to spend time in the sunlight, or if you don't regularly consume vitamin D rich foods.

Opt for a vitamin D3 supplement if available, instead of D2. D2, once thought to be as potent as vitamin D3, is actually only about 50-60% effective as vitamin D3, and that's assuming optimal kidney function.

You can find D3 in liquid , softgels, or gummies in the CentreSpringMD shop.

Functional Medicine and Vitamin D

Integrative medicine supports the use of vitamin D in the pursuit of optimal health, and the functional benefits it provides. The growing prevalence of vitamin D deficiency affects not only patients with established risk factors, but those who have no risk factors and marginal insufficiency as well.

Schedule an appointment with a CentreSpringMD provider today to optimize YOUR vitamin D status.

Resources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30675873/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6075634/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908269/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6789271/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4874908/
7. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2016/12300/effect_of_vitamin_d3_on_self_perceived_fatigue__a.2.aspx
8. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2014.00244/full
9. https://www.vitamindsociety.org/resources.php
10. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

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Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Low Immune System

Source: https://centrespringmd.com/vitamin-d-deep-dive-why-your-immune-system-isnt-protected/

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