While most of us know Vitamin D3 is necessary for better bone health, many are now just learning that higher amounts of Vitamin D3 (not the synthetic D2), are optimal. The RDA for D3 is 800 IU’s (international units), however this is just enough to keep you out of getting the disease Rickets, a disease characterized by bowl-leggedness.
The body needs to store a good, healthy amount of Vitamin D3 in order to absorb phosphorous and maintain healthy levels of calcium. If calcium is low, check Vitamin D3 levels. It is better to increase D when it is low, then to increase calcium.
A hydroxy25-D test will reveal what your blood levels are. Normal range is 30-80 but at the lower end, most of the benefits of D will not be experienced. Keep a goal of 50-70 in mind for better function.
Vitamin D is necessary for the maintenance of strong bones and healthy teeth.
while giving added protection to such diseases as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. D3 helps diabetes management and maintaining healthy insulin levels. It offers immune support as well as protection to the nervous system and the brain, is essential to the health of the lungs and cardiovascular system and may help inhibit the development of cancer.
Vitamin D3 is helpful for building healthy muscles that help the body lose fat. Many who are low in Vitamin D may also experience chronic muscle pain, achiness and fatigue.
Vitamin D protects the heart from inflammation, high blood pressure and insulin resistance.
More and more studies are finding a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and many autoimmune disorders. These studies found that that if you’re not getting enough vitamin D, you may increase your risk for such autoimmune disorders as lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and colorectal cancer.
Although there is not enough scientific research on the subject, many believe that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to depression. Serotonin, a mood altering hormone in the brain increases when you are exposed to bright light, particularly sunlight.
A 2013 Study in the Journal of Lipids found vitamin D deficiency was associated with dyslipidemia (2). Dyslipidemia is elevated blood levels of either Triglycerides, Cholesterol or both.
The study found:
- Low levels of Vitamin D3 are associated with elevated levels of Cholesterol (about 129% higher). Specifically, people with Low Vitamin D levels had higher LDL Cholesterol ( “Bad” Cholesterol) levels.
- Low levels of Vitamin D are also associated with higher Triglycerides. People deficient in D had about 115% higher levels than those with Normal Vitamin D levels.
(1) https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-11-78
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880703
The Power of the D3-K2 Combination
There are several different forms of vitamin K2 (not K1 found in leafy greens but K2, found in fermented foods such as Natto): MK4, MK7, MK8, and MK9. The form of vitamin K that has the most relevance for health benefits is MK7, a newer and longer acting form with more practical applications.
Taking Vitamin K2 is critical if you are taking Vitamin D3 and Calcium. While D3 helps calcium to be absorbed into the body, the D3-K2 combination acts as a “traffic cop” and directs the calcium into the bones. Increasing calcium is helpful for bones and teeth, but not much is directed there. Most calcium is deposited where you don’t want it; organs, joint spaces and arteries. A large amount of calcium in the arteries is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
Many supplement companies are starting to add K2 to their Vitamin D3 products. Look for them if you don’t already take a K2 supplement. For optimal health and wellness.
Darlene Rose 