The Power of Vitamin D
Everyone knows he role and importance of all vitamins. Until now, we mostly knew about vitamin D, which is a provitamin which, by the action of the sun’s rays, is converted into vitamin D in the body. Research in recent years, and especially now at the time of the Corona virus pandemic, has shown the extraordinary power of vitamin D.
In theory, we can actually create the vitamin D we need. However, in real life, that is not entirely true. People in the northern parts have a problem because the sunlight there is weak for half a year. But that does not mean that people in sunnier areas are in a better position. The conclusion is that vitamin D, in addition to food intake, should also be taken in the form of medication. Therefore, in the following text, we will present 6 functions that vitamin D produces in our body.
Fight against bacteria and viruses
Colds, flu and other respiratory diseases are more common during the winter months, which confirms that in that part of the year, people are most deficient in vitamin D. The power of vitamin D reflectes in the strengthening of the immune system by increasing the activity of cells that fight bacteria and viruses.
Insufficient amount of vitamin D endangers the innate immune system, which makes the patient susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Bone strengthening
Inadequate levels of vitamin D also affect osteomalacia – a version of bone disease. That is a condition of unrelenting pain in bones and muscles and their weakness. Osteomalacia, as a consequence of that pain, can lead to obesity which is caused by physical inactivity of the organism. Obese people are especially prone to this condition, because excess fat in the body retains vitamin D and makes it inaccessible in the nutrition of bones and muscles.
In order for the strength of vitamin D to come to the fore, it is usually added to milk, ie calcium.
Fighting disease
The medicine science proved that the highest level of vitamin D in the blood protects from developing an autoimmune disorder, which most often attacks women, ie their nervous system. One of the most common diseases of this type is multiple sclerosis.
Cancer prevention
It has been observed that women living in sunny parts of the world are at a much lower risk of ovarian cancer. It has also been concluded that longer sun exposure is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. However, there is still no proven evidence that vitamin D prevents cancer. This is especially supported by the fact that excessive and prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer.
Muscle shaping
We know that vitamin D in the body is actually convert into a hormone, and thus it affects the muscle tissue. This form of vitamin D binds to receptors in muscle tissue cells.
When it binds to receptors, it increases muscle contraction, and protein synthesis, and thus muscle mass.
Improving brain function
Low levels of vitamin D can lead to mental and neurological disorders. For example, vitamin D deficiency can cause depression and reduced cognitive functions.
Conclusion
During a Corona virus pandemic, we recommend that most adults take 400 to 1,000 IU per day (instead of the usual 200 IU) to maintain vitamin D levels within normal limits. Even if you follow the recommended doses, be sure to take care of a healthy and adequate diet.