Vitamin D Does More than Strengthen Your Bones, Study Finds

Sharon Moore February 02, 2015

Also called the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is highly valued for its role in keeping our bones healthy and strong. But its function goes more than that. A growing body of evidence shows it is involved in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis.

When it comes to bone health, vitamin D is critical for the easy absorption of calcium, which in turn, is needed for the ongoing bone growth and remodelling. Deficiency in this vitamin may cause bone pain and muscle weakness. It is also linked to increase risk of brittle and misshapen bones of rickets, osteoporosis and osteopenia.

But whilst research is inconclusive regarding the specific relationship between vitamin D and other health outcomes, a growing body of evidence shows it is involved in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis. It also plays a role in inflammation, immune response, cell growth, neuromuscular function, muscle metabolism and cardiovascular disease. These associations point to a need to pay attention to getting enough vitamin D, whether through sunlight, diet or fortification – according to the study review by a group of researchers from Colorado State University.

Sunlight does enable the body to convert inactive vitamin D to its active form, D3, in the body via the liver and kidneys. Unfortunately, cloud cover, shade, pollution, glass windows and sunscreen all block UV rays, which produce vitamin D. Individuals with dark skin, head coverings and limited time outdoors are particularly unlikely to obtain adequate vitamin D from sunlight. Additionally, it is strongly suggested that the risk of skin cancer overrides the benefit you would receive from additional sun exposure.

Instead, dietary and supplemental vitamin D sources are more viable options. This nutrient is found naturally in only a few dietary sources, including fatty fish, fish liver oil, and egg yolks. It is also found in fortified milk, orange juice, and breakfast cereal. Be sure to check food labels and aim for the Recommended Dietary Allowance most days; this is 600 international units (IUs) for ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IUs for anyone over the age of 70.

Making vitamin D a part of our regular diet is therefore essential in promoting our health in many significant ways.

Source of this article: Wdowik nutrition column: Vitamin D important for more than just bones