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vitamin D- "The Sunshine Vitamin"

"You are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine . . ."

 

 

What a vitamin!

This sun-derived antioxidant vitamin performs so many functions in virtually ALL the body's cells that without it we do not thrive. 

Directlly or indirectly obtained from the sun, vitamin D does much more than aid calcium absorption for bone strength:

• Upregulates almost 3000 genes
• Aids absorption of several minerals -not just calcium
• Regulates immune system / inflammation
• Increases blood's oxygen-carrying capacity
• Enhances INSULIN production
• Promotes optimal cholesterol levels (supporting cardiovascular health)

And the list goes on . . .  Vitamin D Functions

Unfortunately, many people do not get enough of this

What are our sources of vitamin D?

• Sunlight.    For most people, the major source of vitamin D is the D3 form obtained from exposure to sunlight.   Humans and other vertebrates create Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in their skin after exposure to ultraviolet B (UV-B) light (from the sun or artificial sources). 
• Oily fishand vertebrate animal meat.  We can obtain a little vitamin D3 from eating vertebrate animal meat / liver and fish who have consumed vitamin-d rich foods. but only oily fish has any significant quantity.
• Invertebrate meat, plants and fungi.   We obtain vitamin D2 by consuming invertebrates, plants and fungi, which create vitamin D2 form when exposed to UV-B radiation. 
• D-fortified foods.  Dairy milk, also soy, almond, and oat milks
• Supplements.   Due to various limiting factors to sun-derived sources (e.g. fear of melanoma, amount of available UV-B radiation, exposure times, use of sunscreens), most people today fall short of their vitamin D needs without a dietary/supplementary source.    Supplemental D2 and D3 can be synthesized in a lab setting.  D2 only stays in the bloodstream a few days (compared to weeks for D3).  i.e. one would need to supplement D2 regularly.

How to Obtain Vitamin D

Vitamin D journey

Vitamin D Forms and Conversions in the body
Step 1	UV-B rays are absorbed by:	7-dehydro-Cholesterol (7-DHC)  in lower epidermis  and dermis layers of the skin	via UV-B	Provitamin D3
		Provitamin D3	Spontaneous isomerization / swiftly converted	CHOLECALCIFEROL D3	FAT STORAGE FORM / Prohormone for CALCITRIOL - D3 is ejected from the plasma membrane into the extracellular space, where it is drawn into the dermal capillary bed Overexposure to sunlight degrades provitamin D3 and D3 making them inactive,which provides a protective mechanism against overproduction of D3
or	VItamin  D2 / D3 from diet			D2 (ERGOCALCIFEROL)  from plants, such as mushrooms or D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL)  (mainly from oily fish)	Packaged in chylomicrons and transported to liver - via the lymphatic system into venous circulation
Step 2	Liver converts:	CHOLECALCIFEROL D3	via  vitamin D-25-hydroxylase enzyme 25-OHase	CALCIDIOL 25(OH)D	MAIN CIRCULATING FORM of D - vitamin D binding protein in dermal capillary bed makes vitamin D water-soluble for transport  to the liver CALCIDIOL is a biologically inactive form, and is usually the form that is measured to determine vitamin D status (ideally should be 50-65 ng/mL).
Step 3	Mainly kidneys  (but all cells to some extent, particularly  lymph nodes, skin, colon, prostate, breast and lung)	CALCIDIOL 25(OH)D	via  25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase  1a-OHase	CALCITRIOL 1,25(OH)2D	ACTIVE form of D - a steroid-like hormone; Availability and conversion of vitamin D to its active form depends on several factors.   Including skin color and having a sufficiency of dietary fats: Factors Affecting D3 Availablility and Conversion in the Body Production / tight regulation of 1a-OHase is controlled by parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus and fiberblast growth factor (FGF-23). CALCITRIOL regulates its own production in a negative feedback loop which decreases synthesis /secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the parathyroid glands; Interacts with nuclear vitamin d receptors (VDRs) in target tissues - includes the small intestine (to increase calcium absorption), osteoblasts in bone (to increase bone calcium resorption) and in the renal tubular cells in the kidneys (to increase their calcium resorption). Induces its own destruction.  To rein in its own potent calcium metabolism actions, CALCITRIOL enhances expression of an enzyme (25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase / CYP24), which leads to its excretion in bile (as calcitroic acid);

 

 

Vitamin D Deficiency  - "The Silent Epidemic"

The U.S. is facing a vitamin D deficiency epidemic

Unfortunately many people do NOT get enough vitamin D to keep them healthy. . 

• Average winter's end CALCIDIOL (main circulating form of vitamin D) blood levels are a seriously low.     15-18 ng/mL, compared to the optimal 50-55ng/mL. D-deficiency is considered a major contributor to the many health problems we are seeing today (E.g. 60% of Type 2 diabetics are D-deficient Diabetes Care March 2006; 29(3): 722-724. Especially at risk are the elderly, dark skinned people, and those who stay indoors (sometimes even in sunny climes), or who over-protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen or clothing.
• Vitamin D deficiency is due to lack of sun exposure.    A consequence of living in sunless climes at higher latitudes, indoor lifestyles, fear of skin cancer/wrinkles, and sunscreen use. The main reason for this shortfall, however, is a lack of appreciation for the inherent health benefits provided by sunlight's vitamin D production, in combination with the fear of getting skin cancer or wrinkles, as evidenced by commonly found vitamin D deficiency even in the world's sunniest areas;  Marwaha et al, 2005;  Sedrani SH, 1984
• Even with sufficient sun-exposure, deficiency can result from factors / disorders which limit vitamin Dabsorption or conversion.
• Today's low fat diets mean we no longer eat as much vitamin D - once eaten in such as vitamin D-rich kippers, tripe, chitterlings and lard.
• Synthetic vitamin D fortification of foods has resolved some of our vitamin D requirement.    However, these synthesized versions are not as effective as vitamin D intake from food

Signs of deficiency

 Low blood levels of vitamin D cause release of calcium and phosphate from bones. Consequently, bones form, but without becoming dense and hard (i.e. mineralized) leading to:

• Rickets in children.   Softening of the skull bones, bowing of the legs, spinal curvature, increased joint size;
• Osteomalacia in adults.   Pain in the joints/hips, back, ribs; muscles in the upper arms and thighs become weak; fatigue; waddling; bone fractures. Often seen in the elderly, who generally receive little sunlight. (Malacia means "softening").

A low blood level vitamin D is found in numerous conditions, where improving vitamin D levels can help:

• Receptors for CALCITRIOL (the active form of vitamin D) exist in nearly all body tissues.   Vitamin D receptors
• Many cells can produce CALCITRIOL(Active form of vitamin D) (presumeably because they need it)  - in addition to the kidneys,  CALCITRIOL can be made from CALCIDIOL by cells in the colon, prostate, and breast. Also, lung cell cultures have been found to express the enzyme 1-OHase required for calcitriol production. Arora J et al,  2022 PubMed

olism

•Aging	•Diabetes 1 and 2	•Malabsorption
•Alcoholism	•Diarrhea	•Migraines
•Anxiety	•Eczema / Psoriasis	•Multiple sclerosis
•Arthritis	•Enzymatic diseases	•Muscle weakness/pain
•Asthma	•Fatigue	•Obesity
•Autism	•Fibromyalgia	•Obsessive Disorders
•Autoimmune diseases	•Graves' disease	•Osteomalacea
•Birth defects	•Hearing Loss	•Osteoporosis
•Bone diseases	•Heart disease	•Panic Attacks
•Bone pain	•Heart Disease	•Parkinson's
•Cancer (esp. colon, prostate, breast)	•High blood pressure	•Periodontal Disease
•Cavities	•Hypertension	•PMS (Vitamin D & Calcium)
•Celiac disease	•Impaired wound healing	•Pre-eclampsia
•Chronic Fatigue Syndrome	•Infertilty	•Psoriasis
•Chronic Pain	•Inflammatory bowel disease	•Rheumatoid arthritis
•Cold / Flu	•Insomnia	•Rickets
•Crohn's disease	•Intestinal Irritability	•Schizophrenia
•C-section risk	•Joint pain	•Seizures
•Cystic fibrosis	•Kidney /Liver Problems	•Septicemia
•Dementia	•Lupus	•Thyroid disorders
•Depression	•Macular degeneration	•Tuberculosis

 

For more on how vitamin D has shown to be an effective defense against various diseases, including 16 different types of cancer (can prevent 30-50% of cancer deaths):  Vitamin D Health Benefits

 

Functions of CALCITRIOL (active form of vitamin D ) in the body

Virtually all the body's cells have vitamin D receptors (VDRs) that utilize CALCITRIOL  to function properly.   Together with magnesium, and vitamins A and K2,  CALCITRIOL has numerous NON-skeletal effects, doing so much more than aiding calcium absorption for bone strength:

CALCITRIOL upregulates nearly 3000 genes.   Considering that your body only has ~25,000 genes helps one to grasp vitamin D's enormous influence on health; CALCITRIOL affects DNA via VDRs, which bind to specific locations of the human genome.  Hossein-nezhad, A, Spira A., Holick, MF, 2013Influence of vitamin D status and vitamin D3 supplementation on genome wide expression of white blood cells: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. PloS one, 8(3), e58725. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0058725

Regulates cell growth and maturation - by its influence on almost 3,000 genes,

Mineral absorption. The body cannot absorb minerals without the vitamin "duo" A and D.  CALCITRIOL is well-recognized as an aid that enhances intestinal absorption of magnesium, iron, zinc and, of course, calcium;

Bone formation and strength. Although vitamin D does not directly promote healthy bone, but rather it controls blood calcium and phosphorus levels by promoting intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption.    In so doing, adequate calcium and phosphorus levels maintain neuromuscular function and mineralize the skeleton, instead of being drawn from the bones and broken down by mature osteoclasts to maintain blood levels.

Note that high vitamin D levels will actually demineralize bone if there is insufficient calcium present

Aids repair and maintenance

Increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood

Regulates immune system and inflammation

• Vitamin D up-regulates an important gene for fighting infections and controlling chronic inflammation.   This gene produces over 200 anti-microbial peptides, a class of proteins that quickly destroys the cell walls of bacteria, viruses , and fungi and can keep the lungs free from infection. The most significant of these proteins are defensins and  cathelicidin, a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic, whose production is enhanced by CALCITRIOL produced by macrophages.  Grant et al, 2020.  These proteins are the reason vitamin D is so effective against colds and flu (and helps to explain why flu most often occurs during winter, when serum CALCITRIOL levels are lower for those in non-sunny climes, those who do not take the sun even when it is available, and those who do not alternatively and sufficiently supplement vitamin D3 or use a full-spectrum tanning bed;
• Researchers discovered that vitamin D stimulates your white blood cells to make a substance called cathelicidin. Studies report that it attacks a wide variety of pathogens including: fungi, viruses, bacteria, tuberculosis and even cancer. Here'show it works: T-cells are a type of white blood cell that circulate around our bodies, scanning for cellular abnormalities and infections. When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or 'antenna' known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means that the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won't even begin to mobilize.
• vitamin D prevents the immune system from producing a dangerous amount of inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that attack body cells     E.g. Sensitive respiratory membranes.   Although an important part of your immune system, in severe cases of the flu, cytokine production spirals out of control, causing high fever and extreme fatigue. In most cases, this so-called "cytokine storm" is the actual cause of death.   Article by Rahdia Gleis: Dr. Cannell and the curious case of the flu.
• A sufficiency  of  CALCITRIOL in the blood can reduce viral activity as occurs in such as influenza, HIV, smallpox, warts, ebola and the common cold.  Different viruses attack various areas of the body, such as blood, liver, skin or the respiratory system. A virus that attacks the respiratory system (i.e. nose, throat and lungs) causes a respiratory tract infection (RTI).  E.g.  a cold (adenovirus), influenza (Type A virus: Seasonal flu, Bird flu, swine flu; Type B virus: Seasonal flu), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS (coronavirus SARS-CoV ),  COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a mutated version of SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or MERS (coronavirus MERS-CoV)

  • Sufficient serum CALCITRIOL levels protect against chronic diseases.    Compared to those who are healthy, people contracting a viral infection have a significantly higher risk of dying if they have a chronic disease, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease (including hypertension), chronic respiratory tract infections (RTIs), or diabetes.

  • Sufficient serum CALCITRIOL  reduces risk of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs). By inactivating enveloped viruses (CALCITRIOL induces production of anti-microbial proteins such as defensins and cathelicidin); maintaining tight junctions;  reducing production of innate immune system's pro-inflammatory cytokines.  Reduces risk of overactive immune response precipitating pneumonia

• Shown effective against tuberuculosis.    Destroys Microbacterium tuberculosis; the airborne bacteria that infects the lungs, and is today the world's most deadly infectious disease;
• Since vitamin D modulates / down-regulates immune response it can prevent over-reactive inflammation leading to autoimmune disorders E.g. Crohn's Disease, IBS, Rheumatoid arthritis, M.S., Sjogren's Syndrome, and thyroiditis;
• vitamin D increases the number of disease-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the body

The difference in an infection-free ward

In 2005, an influenza epidemic broke out in the psychiatric Atascadero State Hospital in California.  One by one, each ward became infected as the patients came down with chills, fever, cough, and severe body aches. However, only  Dr. Cannell's ward remained free of infection. These patients intermingled with patients from other wards and they were not noticeably different in terms of age, health, or medical treatment.  The difference?  Dr. Cannell's patients had been receiving a daily dose of 2,000 IU  (btw - this dose is barely minimal for an adult) of vitamin D for several months, and not one of them caught the flu! Cannell JJ et al (2006, Dec) Epidemic influenza and vitamin D, Epidemiol Infect;134(6):1129-40 PubMed    Dr. Cannell and the Curious Case of the Flu

Promotes optimal cholesterol levels.  CALCITRIOL supports cardiovascular health;

May prevent undesirable calcification. Vitamin D regulates D-binding proteins and some calcium-binding proteins, which are responsible for carrying calcium to its proper destination. With a deficiency of vitamin D, high dietary levels of calcium may contribute to calcification / damage by free calcium in the arteries, joints, kidney and possisbly even the brain.

CALCITRIOL enhances INSULIN production.  May have a role in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.  Pittas AG et al (2006)

CALCITRIOL inhibits renin production

Involved in regulating blood pressure.    The enzyme renin converts angiotensinogen (produced in liver) to  the hormone ANGIOTENSIN I.  Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (in the lungs)  converts ANGIOTENSIN I to ANGIOTENSIN II, which causes blood vessel constriction / increased blood pressure.  Li YC, 2003

Effective antioxidant against lipid peroxidation. Increases enzymes that protect against oxidation.  Wiseman H, 1993

Vitamin D against health problems

The #1 priority for anyone with any health problem, and especially if an autoimmune disease, is to optimize their body's VITAMIN D levels to control inflammation

Wounds / infections.  Open wounds and broken bones heal better when exposed to the sun.    Dr. Carl Hoffminster, a surgeon during WWII, wrote that soldiers healed and survived much better when their open wounds and broken bones were exposed to sunlight.

Pain relief. Researchers randomly assigned 90 post operative  spinal surgery patients (particularly recognized for post-surgical pain) to rooms with varying amounts of sunlight. Patients in rooms averaging 46% more sunlight required an average 21% reduction in painkillers. The "bright room" patients reported lower pain and stress scores when they left the hospital.  Walch JM et al, The Effect of Sunlight on Postoperative Analgesic Medication Use: A Prospective Study of Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery, Psychosomatic Medicine Jan/Feb 2005, 67:156-163

Cancer.  vitamin Ddeficiency is very strongly associated with various cancers.   VITAMIN D against Cancer

Diabetes.  VitaminD increases INSULIN release. Vitamin D deficiency decreases biosynthesis and release of INSULIN. Glucose intolerance has been inversely associated with the concentration of VITAMIN D in the blood. Thus, vitamin D may protect against both Type I and Type II diabetes. Dietary vitamin D or UV-B treatment has been shown to restore insulin sensitivity

Asthma.  vitamin D reduces development of asthmatic symptoms.  Australian researchers (funded by Asthma Foundation of WA)found that measured doses of UV light for 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE allergen exposure significantly reduces the development of asthma-like symptoms (E.g. inflamed airways and lungs) in mice. UV exposure seems to suppress specific immune reactions, producing a cell type that, when transferred into other mice before they're sensitized to an allergen, can prevent the development of some of the asthma-like symptoms. Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. "Exposure To Sunlight Could Reduce Asthma." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 October 2006

Strengthens muscles.  Tuberculosis patients being treated by sunbathing have been observed to have well-developed muscles with very little fat, even though they have not exercised for months.  Book: "Sunlight can save your life", Dr. Zane Kime, M.D. The Romans made use of the sun in training their gladiators, since they knew that sunlight strengthened and enlarged the muscles.

Heart Disease / Hypertension / High Blood Pressure.  A 2007 study discovered that the further from the equator, the higher risk of high blood pressure.   The researcher theorized that UV exposure leads to the release of endorphins (brain chemicals linked to pain relief and euphoria) that lower blood pressure by reducing stressful feelings. Rostand also considered that decreased vitamin D production results in increased parathyroid hormone production, serving to increase blood pressure. Rostand SG, Ultraviolet Light May Contribute to Geographic and Racial Blood Pressure Differences, Univ. of Alabama, Hypertension. 1997;30:150-156. PubMed      Another study  found that vitamin D is a negative inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system and this serves to lower blood pressure.

• Several physiological mechanisms that fight heart disease are triggered by vitamin D production through sunlight exposure:

  • An increase in the body's natural anti-inflammatory cytokines

  •  The suppression of vascular calcification

  •  The inhibition of vascular smooth muscle growth (British Journal of Nutrition October 2005; 94(4): 483-492)

• D sufficiency produces optimal blood pressure levels. Especially in those with previously low levels and the elderly obese.  
• Vitamin D supplementation lowers calcium deposition in arteries / lowers blood pressure.   Scottish researchers found that calcium levels in the hair inversely correlated with arterial calcium - the more calcium or plaque in the arteries, the less calcium in the hair. 90% of men experiencing myocardial infarction had low hair calcium. When VITAMIN D was administered, the amount of calcium in the beard went up and this rise continued as long as VITAMIN D was consumed. Almost immediately after stopping supplementation, however, beard calcium fell to pre-supplement levels.

Vision problems

• More than half of the US population over 75 years old have cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.   The risk of senile cataract is reduced in persons with optimal levels of D and carotenoids;
• Sunglasses block healing UV light.  Contributing to the increased incidence of blindness and eye disease in this country, according to Dr. Jacob Liberman.
• Eyeglasses and contact lenses reduce a significant energy source.   By blocking some of the UV light rays that travel through the eyes to the pineal gland;
• Eyeglasses and sunglasses cause poor vision.  After discontinuing wearing his eyeglasses, Dr. John Ott wrote that he exposed his eyes to sunlight without lenses and his vision was much improved. He recommended similar therapy to his friends and they gained similar improvement in their vision. Ott wrote that nothing should block out the full spectrum of sunlight, no glasses of any kind should block the UV rays, and especially no dark glasses.
• Myopia (and Crooked Teeth).    Low levels of D, and perhaps calcium, in a pregnant mother and later in the child may be the contributing cause of "crooked teeth" and myopia.

Infertility / PMS / Menstrual Migraine

• Infertility is associated with low VITAMIN D which supports estrogen production;
• PMS has been reversed with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplementation
• Menstrual migraine is associated with low vitamin D and calcium levels

Depression / CFS / Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Vitamin D upregulates mood-related adrenal hormones.   In the adrenal gland, activated vitamin D regulates tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate limiting enzyme necessary for the production of dopamine, epinephrine and NORepinephrine. VITAMIN D supplementation has successfully treated SAD, which affects ~100,000 people, developing into severe depression in the winter.  Penckofer S, Kouba J, Byrn M, Estwing Ferrans C. Vitamin D and depression: where is all the sunshine? Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2010 Jun;31(6):385-93. doi: 10.3109/01612840903437657. PMID: 20450340; PMCID: PMC2908269.  PubMed

Stress.  High stress may increase the need for VITAMIN D and calcium

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).  Has been corrected by D supplementation and calcium

Parkinson's.  Patients have been found to have lower levels of vitamin D.

Multiple Sclerosis.  A Harvard study concluded that vitamin D had a protective effect against the development of MS.  Munger KL et al, VITAMIN D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis.Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health

• BBC News: - ". . . researchers found that by just analyzing sunlight, they could explain 61% of the variation in the number of MS cases across England. However when they combined the effect of sunlight and glandular fever, 72% of the variation in MS cases could be explained." BBC News April 19, 2011; Neurology April 19, 2011;76(16):1410-4 
• U. of Wisconsin Study.   Demonstrated that exogenous VITAMIN D3 can completely prevent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely accepted mouse model of human MS;  Hayes CE, Cantorna MT, DeLuca HF, VITAMIN D and multiple sclerosis. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1997 Oct;216(1):21-7.
• In an exploratory study, mortality from MS was found to be reduced by exposure to sunlight by up to 76% - depending on degree of exposure.  Freedman DM, Dosemeci M, Alavanja MC. Mortality from multiple sclerosis and exposure to residential and occupational solar radiation: a case-control study based on death certificates. Occup Environ Med. 2000 Jun;57(6):418-21. doi: 10.1136/oem.57.6.418. PMID: 10810132;

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Weight Loss / Obesity / Energy production

• UVB stimulates the production of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH).  An important hormone in weight loss and energy production.
• Weight normalization is associated with higher levels of vitamin D and adequate calcium.   UVB / vitamin D normalize food intake and normalize blood sugar. When the diet lacks calcium, there is up to a 5-fold increase in the enzyme fatty acid synthase, which converts calories into fat. Higher levels of calcium with adequate vitamin D inhibit fatty acid synthase. In one study, genetically obese rats lost 60% of their body fat in six weeks on a diet that had moderate calorie reduction but was high in calcium. All rats supplemented with calcium showed increased body temperature indicating a shift from calorie storage to calorie burning (thermogenesis);
• Obesity is associated with D deficiency.  Obese persons have impaired production of UVB-stimulated D and impaired absorption of food source and supplemental D.
  Supports healthy kidney function

Crooked teeth.   Low levels of D, and perhaps calcium, in a pregnant mother and later in the child may be the contributing cause of  "crooked teeth". When these conditions are found in succeeding generations it means the genetics require higher levels of one or both nutrients to optimize health.

Preeclampsia.  Leading cause of premature delivery and maternal/fetal illness and death worldwide (~76,000 deaths /year); Some 7% of first pregnancies can progress to eclampsia, marked by very high B.P. and swelling of the hands and feet, and culminating in seizures and often-fatal complications of the liver, kidneys, lungs, blood and nervous system. In 2007, Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Health Sciences found vitamin D deficiency to be one of the most common reasons for this condition. J Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism September 2007; 92(9) 3517-22

Tuberculosis. Sunlight therapy has been used successfully worldwide to treat TB for more than a century.   Studies have also shown that metabolizing VITAMIN D can restrict the growth of tuberculosis within cells. In one study, Indonesian scientists found that treating tuberculosis patients with 10,000 units of VITAMIN D daily (instead of the much smaller amount usually advocated by conventional medicine) led to a cure rate of 100 percent—everyone in the study6.

Wilkinson, Robert J. Influence of VITAMIN D deficiency and VITAMIN D receptor polymorphisms on tuberculosis among Gujarati Asians in west London: a case-control study. The Lancet 355: No. 9204, p618. 19 Feb 2000.

Nursyam EW, Amin Z, Rumende CM. The effect of VITAMIN D as supplementary treatment in patients with moderately advanced pulmonary tuberculous lesion. Acta Med Indones. 2006 Jan-Mar; 38(1):3-5.

Sunlight helps baby sleep better at night.  According to a study, babies exposed to twice as much light during the day (between noon and 4 pm) became better sleepers at night.   The study consisted of 55 babies who were monitored for three successive days at the age intervals of: 6, 9 and 12 weeks old; light monitors were attached to each of the babies' cribs. Parents were advised to go about their usual routines, as well as keep a diary of their baby's sleep and crying patterns. One theory explained the connection between light exposure and sleeping by stating that higher light levels encourage early development of the biological clock. This natural body clock regulates a wide range of bodily functions, such as the secretion of MELATONIN, which not only promotes sleep, but also plays an important role in well-balanced sleeping patterns. Researchers concluded that healthy doses of daylight encourage babies to sleep at night.  BBC News November 22, 2004

Factors affecting D3 availablility and conversion in the body

• Insufficient dietary fat - vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and thus requires some dietary fat for conversion. Conversion may also be inhibited by damaged fats (E.g. trans fats).
• Certain medical conditions may prevent dietary fat absorption.    E.g. pancreatic enzyme deficiency, IBD (such as Crohn's and Whipple's disease), celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, gall bladder or liver disease, partial/total removal of stomach or intestines. Symptoms of fat malabsorption include diarrhea and greasy stools.
• Skin Color.    A higher melanin content in darker skin reduces D3 production. A tan is the skin's inbuilt protection against producing too much vitamin D.  African Americans and other dark-skinned persons who do not get sufficient sun exposure, are at a high risk for vitamin D deficiency.
• Parathyroid gland or Kidney Diseases.    impair synthesis of CALCITRIOL, the active form of vitamin D.
• Aging.   Production of vitamin D precursors (7-dehydro-cholesterol) and kidneys' conversion ability diminishes with age. A 70 year old has only 25% of the capacity of a young adult to produce vitamin D3. MacLaughlin, 1985  However, the elderly are still able to satisfy their vitamin D needs by going into the sun  Davie, 1980 or by utilizing a full-spectrum tanning bed. Tangpricha V, 2004
• Sunscreen.   An SPF of 8 has the capacity to reduce D3 production in the skin by 95%.  Matsuoka, 1987
• Obesity.   in one study, when exposed to the same amount of natural sunlight, obese subjects produced only about half the amount of vitamin D3 as normal weight subjects.The study concluded that vitamin D insufficiency is likelydue to the decreased bioavailability of vitamin D3 from cutaneousand dietary sources because of its deposition in body fat compartments. Wortsman, 2000

 

Estrogen and other sex steroids share some common roles with vitamin D

• Estrogen is a primary inhibitor of bone resorption in both men and women. Mauras et al, Growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor I and sex hormones: effects on protein and calcium metabolism 1999.
• Estrogens and androgens increase intestinal absorption and the retention of calcium.  Michaelsson et al., Dietary calcium and vitamin D intake in relation to osteoporotic fracture risk, 2003
• Estrogen, Testosterone, and other androgens have roles in facilitating bone growth.  Cannel, John,Vit D: When, Why, Where and How Much 2005 lecture
• A decline in sex steroids may aggravate the effect of vitamin D deficiency.  By bringing the total vitamin D-like activity to a low enough level that a higher intake of vitamin A begins to become harmful. Sex steroid deficiency appears to "turn on" the otherwise dormant association between vitamin A and fracture risk. (Maybe this same correlation can be similarly "turned on" by vitamin D deficiency and "turned off" by D sufficiency).

 

References

Arora J, Patel DR, Nicol MJ, Field CJ, Restori KH, Wang J, Froelich NE, Katkere B, Terwilliger JA, Weaver V, Luley E, Kelly K, Kirimanjeswara GS, Sutton TC, Cantorna MT. Vitamin D and the Ability to Produce 1,25(OH)D Are Critical for Protection from Viral Infection of the Lungs. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 26;14(15):3061. doi: 10.3390/nu14153061. PMID: 35893921; PMCID: PMC9332570. PubMed
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminD/
http://www.westonaprice.org
 http://sunlightandvitamind.com/samples.htm
Naked at Noon, Krispin Sullivan

 

Functions

Radhia Gleis (2019) Dr. Cannell and the curious case of the flu. Advanced Health Institute

Cannell JJ et al (2006, Dec) Epidemic influenza and vitamin D, Epidemiol Infect;134(6):1129-40,  PubMed pdf

Grant, W.B.; Lahore, H.; McDonnell, S.L.; Baggerly, C.A.; French, C.B.; Aliano, J.L.; Bhattoa, H.P.  (2020) Vitamin D Supplementation Could Prevent and Treat Influenza, Coronavirus, and Pneumonia Infections. Preprints 2020, 2020030235. 

Hossein-nezhad, A., Spira, A., & Holick, M. F. (2013). Influence of vitamin D status and vitamin D3 supplementation on genome wide expression of white blood cells: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. PloS one, 8(3), e58725. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0058725   PubMed pdf

Li YC (2003) Vitamin D regulation of the reni-angiotensin system, J Cell Biochem 88:327-331

Pittas AG et al (2006) Vitamin D and calcum intake in relationship to type 2 diabetes in women, Diabetes Care 29:650-56

Wiseman H (1993) Vitamin D is a membrane antioxidant Ability to inhibit iron-dependent lipid peroxidation in liposomes compared to cholesterol, ergosterol and tamoxifen and relevance to anti-cancer action. FEBS Lett.  326: 285-8   Pdf

Deficiency-related

Marwaha RK et al (2005) Vitamin D and bone mineral status of healthy school children in northern India, Am J Clin Nutr. 82:477-482;

Sedrani SH (1984) Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and normal serum calcium concentration in Saudi Arabia:Riyad region. Ann Nutr Metab. 28:181-185;

Factors affecting conversion

Davie M, et al (1980) Holick MF, Vitamin D deficiency, N. Eng J Med 2007; 357:266-281

MacLaughlin J, Holick MF (1985) Aging decreases the capacity of human skin to produce vitamin D3, J. Clin Invest  76:1536-1538.

Matsuoka LY, et al (1987) Sunscreens suppress cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis, J Clin Endocrinol Metab, Jun;64(6):1165-8

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