8 Ways Vitamin D Can Potentially Benefit Your Health

It's no secret that vitamin D is a necessary mineral, well known for supporting immunological and bone health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the vitamin is frequently referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies can produce it when exposed to ultraviolet light. Most people use this method to fulfill at least some of their daily vitamin needs.

Only a few foods naturally contain vitamin D, such eggs and fatty fish like salmon, but many others, like milk and orange juice, have been fortified with the nutrient. Why is this fat-soluble vitamin being stressed so much? Well, studies have connected vitamin D to a range of health advantages. Continue reading to find out what is understood about the benefits and limitations of this necessary nutrient for you.

Here is a detailed analysis of the potential health benefits of vitamin D, taking into account the limitations of current studies.

1. It Can Help Prevent Bone Diseases Such as Osteoporosis

It is undeniable that vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption. According to the NIH, the body won't produce enough of the hormone calcitriol, which is the body's active form of calcium, without adequate vitamin D. The body can maintain a healthy amount of phosphate and calcium thanks to calcium absorption, which helps to build and maintain strong, healthy bones. According to the NIH, this is why taking enough vitamin D is important for preventing bone illnesses like rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and osteoporosis in older adults. Children with rickets typically have weak and mushy bones. Research demonstrates that children anywhere in the globe might experience an inadequate amount of vitamin D due to lack of sun exposure or food, despite the fact that it is uncommon in the United States and often associated with developing nations. Rickets is characterized by slowed growth and muscle weakening, as well as pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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2. It May Improve Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while the limited research has made it unclear whether vitamin D can help treat or prevent clinical depression, researchers do think that a person's vitamin D level may have an impact on their risk of developing seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression. Because of the reduced amount of sunlight in the winter, humans often create less vitamin D, which may have an impact on serotonin's activity and contribute to seasonal affective disorder.

When you engage in activities like a long run, eat some chocolate, or hold the hand of someone you love, your brain releases serotonin. It is a happy hormone. As a result, when the serotonin level is low, you might feel down or be more susceptible to developing mood disorders, according to World Psychiatry. Foroutan makes the point that doctors may advise vitamin D pills as a means of treating seasonal affective disorder.

3. It Can Protect Against Respiratory Infections

If you're vitamin D deficient, up your intake and you might notice fewer respiratory infections (also known as colds and the flu) than usual. Even worse, evidence suggests that a vitamin D shortage may aggravate COVID-19 outcomes. Supplementing with vitamin D may help to prevent COVID-19-related negative effects, according to a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials published in the journal Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy in 2022. However, more research is required.

Although not all studies found a significant effect from supplementation, one assessment of 25 randomized, controlled trials involving over 11,300 persons found that participants who were vitamin D deficient experienced a 12 percent reduced risk for respiratory infections after taking a vitamin D supplement. The BMJ published the study's findings in February 2017.

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