Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins and also acts as a hormone in the body. It is a real all-rounder among the vitamins.
Its best-known effect is probably its involvement in bone metabolism. Vitamin D is partly responsible for ensuring that phosphate and calcium from food are absorbed via the intestine and then incorporated into the bones. Consequently, vitamin D ensures that the bones are mineralized. Vitamin D is also essential for the immune system, has a positive effect on mood, controls gene activity, influences the hormone system and protects the cardiovascular system.
When people talk about vitamin D, they are usually referring to vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 only plays a subordinate role in terms of health.
Biochemistry of Vitamin D
Cholesterol stored in the skin is converted into vitamin D3 via intermediate stages under the influence of UV-B radiation. The vitamin D3 that enters the blood from the skin is still inactive and is only converted into the active vitamin D hormone, known as calcitriol, in the liver and kidneys.
Vitamin D is mainly stored in the liver and serves as a small reserve for the cool winter months.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to numerous symptoms: frequent infections, poor wound healing, neck and back pain, but also sleep problems can become noticeable. A vitamin D3 deficiency can also be partly responsible for fibromyalgia, periodontitis, cancer, osteoporosis, autism, ADHD and thyroid disorders. In the case of a pronounced deficiency, bone density decreases significantly, which increases the risk of bone fractures.
Those affected often also experience general symptoms of a lack of energy, such as tiredness, fatigue, exhaustion and mood swings and even depression. Such mood swings are also known as “winter depression”, as people increasingly suffer from vitamin D deficiency during the cold and sunless winter months and do not benefit from its mood-enhancing effects.
A pronounced deficiency increases the risk of bone fractures due to bone demineralization.
Taking Vitamin D
The vitamin D3 concentration can be reliably determined by blood tests. It is very important to analyze both the active form (1,25-OH-D3) and the inactive form (25-OH-D3) in order to ensure a more comprehensive diagnostic statement. The ratio between the active and the inactive form is also referred to as the vitamin D ratio. Ideally, this should be less than 1. If the ratio is above 1, it is advisable to pay particular attention to the intake of co-factors that are necessary for vitamin D metabolism. These include vitamin A, vitamin K2, magnesium and boron.
Med. pract. Dana Hreus M.A.
Choosing the right vitamin D preparation and determining the dosage should be left to an experienced doctor. We will be happy to help you.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.