The Importance of vitamin D

This large steroid based hormone has been the subject of intense research activity in the past five years. These studies have provided valuable information on the wide ranging role of this vitamin in human health.

Vitamin D has been found to interact with over 2,000 human genes, which equals 10% of the total number of genes in the body.

Vitamin D has been shown to be important in a wide range of conditions including twenty different cancers, bone health, heart disease, mood, muscle function and autoimmune disorders. The best way to get adequate Vitamin D is by exposure to sunlight. The ultraviolet light converts cholesterol in the skin into a precursor of Vitamin D, 20 minutes of exposure to the sun produces approximately 20,000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D. This natural production contrasts markedly with the current recommended daily amount of 400 IU.

Above the 35th parallel of latitude, which runs from San Francisco to Boston, it is very difficult to produce Vitamin D in this natural way during the winter months. There is widespread deficiency in the UK as a consequence, with even differences within the UK. Manchester lies only 220 miles south of Glasgow but has 25% more sunlight.

Food sources of Vitamin D are not plentiful with oily fish being the most reliable. Vitamin D supplements are produced from Lanolin (Sheep’s wool), which is exposed to UVB light to produce the Vitamin D. For those in high latitude countries, Vitamin D supplementation may be the only way to ensure adequate levels of this vital nutrient. It is best to have a blood analysis of Vitamin D in both the summer and the winter to ensure that the level stays within the recommended range of 100-200 NMOL/L.

Vitamin D toxicity is very uncommon with no recorded cases in those taking 10,000 IU daily.

Patients with Sarcoidosis, known Hypersensitivity, raised blood calcium levels or Hyperparathyroidism, should not take Vitamin D supplements.

If you find you need Vitamin D supplementation, please ensure that you buy the biologically active form, known as Vitamin D3. We recommend and carry in stock, these products and you can order at the bottom of this page;

Vitamin D3 in 5,000 IU (per capsule)
Baseline AM contain Vitamin D3 2,000 IU (per capsule)
Ideal Omega Taste (Mango/Peach) contains Vitamin D3 1,000 IU (per 10ml dose)