Vitamin D is a fat-soluble that is also available in two forms, Vitamin D2 and D3, and is either naturally present in a variety of foods, known as dietary supplements, or created endogenously when the skin is exposed to solar UV radiation.
Direct sunlight is the most prevalent and optimal of the three sources. However, other nations are primarily cold and receive little to no direct sunlight for months. In that scenario, taking supplements is your best next-best choice for maximizing your vitamin D benefits. Unfortunately, many facts have not been known or are lesser known by people. So, here we have listed 11 lesser-known facts about vitamin D.
- The connection of vitamin D deficiency to depression.
Although vitamin insufficiency cannot be the only cause of depression, supplementing these patients with more vitamin D will likely lessen their depressive symptoms. The research is still ongoing; it is generally agreed that there is a correlation but not a causal relationship between the two.
- Infectious disease.
Although studies have shown that vitamin D benefits mainly bone-related ailments, it also strongly protects against infectious diseases, including influenza and respiratory tract infections (RTI).
- Autoimmune diseases.
The immune system is modulated by vitamin D, which is also essential in controlling cell division and proliferation. An autoimmune disease damages the nerve cells in the brain. According to research, since it is geographically more common in people who live far from the equator, lower vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor.
- Cancer.
According to certain research, vitamin D may prevent carcinogenesis, limit tumor growth, and reduce the risk of death from breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. However, it is necessary to do more research to ascertain whether a lack of vitamin D raises the chance of developing cancer and whether cancer may be prevented by receiving more vitamin D.
- Cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure, vascular cell development, and inflammation are all stabilized by vitamin D. These factors make vitamin D related to cardiovascular disease and heart health.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
According to certain research, vitamin D stimulates the release of insulin, which in turn affects how glucose is metabolized. Low levels of serum 25(OH)D, the main circulating form of vitamin D, have been related to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes in observational studies. According to research, those with wider waistlines and more belly fat are likelier to have low vitamin D levels.
- Obesity
People who suffer from obesity are more likely to suffer from diseases and vitamin D deficiencies. Its diluting to larger volumes of muscles is one of the most likely causes.
- Vitamin D acts more like a hormone.
Vitamin D acts less like a vitamin. It acts more like a hormone. In other words, vitamin D supports metabolism rather than taking part in it, which could impact anything from weight to organ function.
- Liver & Kidneys synthesize Vitamin D.
Direct sunshine is the main source of vitamin D. Our skin absorbs UVB radiation from the sun, which causes a chemical process that converts it to vitamin D3, which is then transported to our liver to produce 25(OH)D and then to the kidney, where it further changes to become the biologically active form of vitamin D-calcitriol.
- Dark Skinned people need more Vitamin D.
Darker skin results from the melanin pigment in the epidermal layer of our skin. Dark-skinned persons must be exposed to more sunshine since this pigment makes it harder for the skin to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
- It helps regulate calcium & phosphorus.
Normal bone development and mineralization result from vitamin D’s calcium and phosphorus absorption stimulation.