22 cells. In this way it is able to modulate immune cells activities and trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses. There are genetic links to how well we can utilize Vitamin D. We can now assess this through genetic testing and the VDR genes.
There are three ways to increase Vitamin D:
Comes in 2 distinct forms that differ in molecular structure but are similar in structure:
• Vitamin D2, aka ergocalciferol
• Vitamin D3, aka cholecalciferol
It is estimated that 41 % of Americans are deficient on Vitamin D. Low levels can be linked to autoimmune disease, fatigue, depression, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and some cancers.
How do we increase Vitamin D levels
• The body naturally produces most of its vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet rays form the sun
• We can also get sufficient amount through foods
Skin color is actually an evolutionary mechanism due to sun exposure. The darkest skin pigment occurs in populations near the tropics. While the lightest is in people indigenous to area away from the equator, such as the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It is theorized that the skin color is lighter to allow for sun to penetrate so that Vitamin D can be synthesized.
Vitamin D deficiency is known as Ricketts in children and osteomalacia in adults. Even though, we don’ t see high levels of this level of deficiency anymore, we still see concerns with low levels throughout our society. Currently, the Center for Disease Control( CDC) estimates that approximately 1 / 3 of all Americans are lower than optimal in vitamin D levels. Some other estimates place the rate at onehalf to two-thirds of the population.
Vitamin D mediates its effect through binding to Vitamin D receptors, known as VDRs, which is harbored on many human immune
22 cells. In this way it is able to modulate immune cells activities and trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses. There are genetic links to how well we can utilize Vitamin D. We can now assess this through genetic testing and the VDR genes.
Epidemiological data shows a strong correlation between poor vitamin D status and higher risk for chronic inflammatory illnesses. There are also numerous studies that show that higher Vitamin D levels correlate with better outcomes with certain diseases such as cancer.
Research has shown an amazing correlation of increasing 25( OH) D levels to improve with autoiummune disease, especially in the case of thyroid autoiummune diseases. With every 5 nmol / L increase in serum 25( OH) D concentration, there was a reduction in the risk for thyroid concerns linked to autoimmune disease. The lower the vitamin D level, the higher the risk for some autoimmune disease.
What should your level be? Vitamin D levels can be tested in the blood. It is important to make sure that the levels are above 30 nmol / L and optimally should be above 50 nmol / L.
There are three ways to increase Vitamin D:
1. Sun exposure 2. Vitamin D supplementation 3. Vitamin D foods- fortified or naturally occurring foods such as eggs, liver, and fatty fish( mackerel, herring, and salmon). Some dairy foods are fortified with vitamin D and will be labeled accordingly. Exercise can also help to naturally increase Vitamin D levels.