Vitamin D Metabolism
Vitamin D3 is a chemical reaction in human skin when a steroid called 7-dehydrocholesterol breaks down by the sun’s UVB light or “tanning” rays. Vitamin D production prevents the skin from burning. Further metabolism of vitamin D takes place in the liver and kidney, respectively, and in other tissues, skin, immune system cells, parathyroid gland, intestinal epithelium, prostate, and breast. Recent evidence suggests that eye cells produce vitamin D3 when exposed to UVB light.
Insufficient vitamin D levels may increase your risk of disease and infection, bone demineralization, and other adverse health outcomes. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Worldwide, it affects around 1 billion people. Knowing if you’re deficient in vitamin D without a blood test is impossible. If your bloodwork shows you’re low in vitamin D, your healthcare provider will recommend an appropriate daily dose to boost your levels. Generally, 4,000 IU or fewer per day is considered a safe dosage.
Factors that increase vitamin D deficiency risk include:
People who live far from the equator and get less sun exposure are more likely to be deficient. Exposure of the cholesterol in our skin to sunlight makes Vit D.
Darker skin can’t produce as much; melanin cells prevent it.
Exposure to sun (SPF protection)
Health-related sickness
Age of older adult
Excessive weight
Improper diet
Use of medications that impact vitamin D metabolism (i.e., statins, steroids)
Vitamin D toxicity is uncommon. A healthy person would need to take long-term massive doses of vitamin D to reach dangerous levels. It is more common in people with medical conditions. Accidental overdose, prescription errors and misuse of high-dose vitamin D supplements can cause it. The body’s signalling processes become overwhelmed when vitamin D levels are too high.
Hypercalcemia caused by excess vitamin D supplements may take a few months to resolve. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and is released into the blood slowly. Thirstiness, altered consciousness, kidney tube calcification, kidney failure, high blood pressure or hearing loss may also develop.
Vitamin D toxicity symptoms include confusion, agitation, unresponsiveness, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, stomach pain, depression, and psychosis. Very high doses of vitamin D cause comas because of elevated calcium levels. Calcification of the kidneys can lead to water loss through too much urination. Too much vitamin D may lead to kidney problems and even kidney failure.
Vitamin D Uses and Metabolism
Vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health. It occurs naturally in food; your body can also produce it when sunlight exposes it. Fish liver oils, fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolks, and fortified foods are natural ways to obtain it.
Vitamin D: The body cannot quickly eliminate fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D. Therefore, excessive amounts may build up inside the body. Vitamin D travels inside cells, telling them to turn genes on or off.
To avoid adverse side effects of higher vitamin D supplementation. Ensure sufficient intake of vitamin A, vitamin K2, and Magnesium.
Benefits of vitamin D: prevent bone loss, cancer, depression, postpartum depression, insomnia, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis and muscle pain. Research indicates vitamin D deficiency may decrease the risk of weight gain. Vit D levels directly affect Leptin, which signals the brain to stop eating.
People have different needs for vitamin D. Therefore, it’s hard to evaluate which amounts are safe and which are not. Vitamin D supplementation of 4,000 IU daily may reduce the risk of a respiratory tract infection.
Slow wound healing after injury or surgery indicates low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplements taken for 12 weeks greatly improved wound healing in 60 people with diabetes and foot ulcers that were studied, compared with a control group.
Hair loss in women Severe hair loss on the head and other body parts occurs in Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease. One study among people with it demonstrated that lower vitamin D results can be associated with more severe hair loss. Another study, applying a synthetic form of vitamin D topically for 12 weeks, showed a significant increase in hair regrowth in 48 people with alopecia areata).
Some People don’t believe in taking supplements for vitamin D. Supplements will also be costing more when Health Canada regulations take effect.
This UVB lamp is as effective as the sun interacting with the body.
P.S. Don’t ignore the risks of some photosensitive products.
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Light therapy lamps can help your body make vitamin D, but you shouldn't ignore the risks of some photosensitive products.
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* Affiliate on Amazon more economical
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Of course, Vitamin D supplements are always a possibility if you so choose.
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Here is another related article. Since its important to take vitamin D with Vitamin K2
References
https://vegan.rocks/blog/vitamin-d-side-effects/
https://www.ishonest.com/blogs/claudia-shannon/how-much-vitamin-d-is-too-much