Vitamin D3 Blog

As a follow-up to our recent post about Vitamin D and Pregnancy, here are a couple of videos recorded and produced by medical scientists who are bona fide experts in vitamin D3.

The first video features Dr. Bruce Hollis, who is the director of Pediatric Sciences at the University of South Carolina’s medical school. Dr. Hollis was among the first to recognize that vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women had reached epidemic proportions by the year 2006, and is still widely regarded as among the world’s top experts on the impact of vitamin D (in both too large and too little amounts) during pregnancy on both mother and infant.

Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Effectiveness and Safety

The second video, hosted by Dr. Carol Wagner, also of the medical school at the University of South Carolina, discusses the role of vitamin D3 in growing healthy babies from pregnancy to lactation.

Vitamin D3: Pregnancy and Lactation

Vitamin D Receptors DO Play Role in Hair Loss, Although Effects of Vitamin D Itself Remain Unclear

Science has determined that defective vitamin D receptors in skin cells are responsible for at least one form of hair loss (alopecia), but the actual role of vitamin D itself remains unclear.

Back in February of last year (2011), the Vitamin D3 Blog published an article about Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss, which at the time appeared to be accurate, but that nonetheless spurred quite a bit of controversy among readers. That particular post has been among the most read, and has attracted the most reader comments in the history of this website.

The gist of the post was that while plenty of speculation of a link between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and inexplicable and/or premature hair loss could be found online, at the time, we here at the Vitamin D3 Blog had been unable to confirm a scientific link between the nutritional insufficiency and hair loss. The post set off a firestorm of comments (which still arrive at a rate that exceeds our ability to moderate all of them in a timely manner) by readers who believe based on personal experience that such a relationship does in fact exist.

In the time since the previous post on the topic of vitamin D and hair loss went live, a number of studies have been released that appear to validate the reader speculation regarding a possible association between low vitamin D and alopecia, which is a scientific term for baldness and/or hair loss.

According to one study conducted by a group of researchers at the Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California, both humans with certain mutations in their vitamin D receptors (VDR), and mice lacking in these receptors developed alopecia (baldness). In that study, the mice were born with a full coat of hair, but failed “to initiate normal hair follicle cycling”. The study concluded that the lack of vitamin D receptors resulted in the disruption of the hair follicle structure, which resulted in subsequent failures of hair follicle cycling. The researchers went on to state that such changes are associated with increased hair loss, suggesting that the mutated VDRs were at least partially responsible for the regulation of the gene that controls hair loss, and hence the hair loss itself. (1)

Another study conducted by scientists at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston “sought to evaluate the role that vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor play in the hair cycle and assess how this can be clinically applied to the treatment of hair disorders.” While it was determined that the vitamin D receptor does in fact play a role in hair follicle cycling, this receptor acts independently of vitamin D itself in this regard. The research concluded that treatments that up-regulate the vitamin D receptor may hold potential as a possible future treatment for hair disorders, and that further studies should be conducted on the matter. The researchers were quick to admit however, that the actual role of vitamin D in hair follicle cycling is not well understood, and that no conclusions could be drawn at this time about the role of the actual nutrient itself. (2)

In yet another study, this one conducted by the Endocrine Unit, Massachussetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, researchers found that by genetically tweaking the vitamin D receptor-null mice, alopecia could be prevented. Effectively, what they did was take VDR-null mice and mate them with in mice by mating them with two “highly expressing transgenic lines of mice expressing the human VDR” in order to obtain VDR-null mice expressing the human vitamin D receptor-transgene. Expression of the transgene (the one created by cross-breeding VDR-null mice with genetically-altered mice expressing the human VDR) in the VDR-null mice prevented alopecia (hair loss). Thus, the scientists were able to restore the VDR expression in the VDR null mice, preventing the hair cycle defect that leads to the development of alopecia. (3)

One final study worth mentioned a likelihood that keratinocyte is the actual cell responsible for the defective vitamin D receptors, which are believed to lead to alopecia (hair loss, baldness). This study, conducted by the same group of Boston-based researchers responsible for the latter of the three previous studies mentioned, concluded that keratinocyte, the predominant cell type in the epidermis (skin), is the “origin of the defect”. They went on to suggest that “this form of alopecia is due to absence of ligand-independent receptor function.” (4)

Perhaps the most promising study of all was one conducted by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine. The very title of the abstract of their research sounds far more promising and to-the-point than those studies previously mentioned. The title reads: “Vitamin D3 analogs stimulate hair growth in nude mice”.  The study determined that “Vitamin D3 analogs dramatically stimulated the hair growth of nude mice,” adding that ”Vitamin D3 analogs seem to act on keratinocytes to initiate hair follicle cycling and stimulate hair growth in mice that otherwise do not grow hair.” (5)

To conclude, science has determined that a genetic defect in the vitamin D receptors found in skin cells is responsible for at least one form of premature hair loss/baldness/alopecia, or whatever other term one wishes to assign to describe the condition. However, the relationship of the actual vitamin D levels of a person suffering from alopecia has not been established relative to the development of the condition. It may well be that the mutated vitamin D receptors prevent proper absorption of the nutrient, resulting in vitamin D deficiency, which could factor into the loss of hair. Or, it’s entirely possible that new research will determine conclusively that vitamin D itself has nothing whatsoever to do with the condition.

So, for those of you reading this in hopes of discovering how to re-grow your hair, vitamin D3 supplementation may help, but there is no direct scientific evidence to support any claim that it would. The Vitamin D3 Blog is neither suggesting or denying a relationship between an balding individual’s vitamin D levels and the condition of his or her hairline and scalp, nor are we encouraging those suffering from hair loss to go out and purchase supplements in hope of regrowing hair.

That said, if anyone suffering from premature hair loss or balding does decide based entirely upon his or her own rationale to purchase supplements for the purpose of attempting to reverse a receding hair line, we here at the Vitamin D3 Blog would most definitely like to be notified of the results. So if anyone reading this does decide to try vitamin D supplementation (hopefully using vitamin D3 as opposed to D2) in an effort to regrow hair, please fill out the contact form located on the Contact Us page of the site and share your story with us regardless of the end-result. If we receive enough responses, we may do a follow-up post on the subject comparing the results of the readers of this blog who tried D3 supplementation as a means of slowing and/or reversing hair loss or premature balding.

The epic winters and rains experienced by Seattle are known to cause depression in a large percent of the population. Why? Research has shown that sesonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is linked to a lack of a Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 – cholecalciferol – is the form of Vitamin D that is obtained through human exposure to direct sunlight. It is considered to be superior to other forms of Vitamin D such as ergocalciferol, which is better known as Vitamin D2.

Research has shown that people in cold, rainy climates, are more susceptible to Vitamin D Deficiency, which has been scientifically linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder. This means that people who live in places like Seattle, Washington, where the climate is often rainy and generally cold, are more likely to suffer from SAD, which is a type of seasonal depression that occurs primarily during the winter months.

Take this passage from an earlier post about Vitamin D Deficiency appearing on this site:

A scientific link between low Vitamin D3 levels and depression has been established following several recent studies confirming the relationship. According to one such study by scientists at Georgia State University: “The likelihood of having depression in persons with vitamin D deficiency is significantly higher compared to those with vitamin D sufficiency. Early diagnosis and intervention are paramount because coexistence of vitamin D deficiency and depression has serious negative consequences on health.” (Source)

There has been a surge of interest the medical research community concerning Vitamin D3. Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University School, one of the world’s leading experts on the topic, has been quoted as saying “You’re more likely to live longer and you’re less likely to die of serious chronic disease if you have adequate vitamin D on board. It may well be the most important nutrient of the decade.”

There is also current research being conducted on Vitamin D3 at the Mayo Clinic, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and The U.S. Institute of Medicine to name a few. Existing research has already linked Vitamin D Deficiency to at least 32 different diseases, illnesses and various other health ailments.

People who live in northern climates that are cold and/or rainy have limited opportunities to obtain Vitamin D from sunlight. It is recommended that these individuals in particular take high-quality Vitamin D3 Supplements in order to prevent Vitamin D Deficiency.

Dr. Marc Sorenson on Vitamin D Deficiency, Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Guest Post

By: David Munson

There has always been evidence that ingesting certain vitamins and minerals in sufficient amounts can have many positive health benefits.  Vitamin D specifically can play a significant role in preventing colon cancer, diabetes, and even help to relieve depression.  Many studies are performed to find out what types of infections and diseases can be helped with vitamin D.  The most recent study, performed by Gill Diamond of the New Jersey Dental School in Newark, has produced a significant finding and sparked debate about the usefulness of vitamin D.

Vitamin D May Help Prevent Gingivitis, Tooth Loss

The study found that vitamin D can help fight bacterial infections that attack the gums which can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss.  These findings were supported by an earlier study that found that vitamin D can cause the lungs to produce a natural antibiotic that can actually kill harmful bacteria.  This latest study also found that vitamin D is involved in expressing some genes that were not believed to be part of the vitamin D pathway, but now may help in fighting infection.  This research could develop specific therapies using vitamin D.

It was also discovered that gum cells can activate inactive forms of vitamin D, and according to Gill Diamond, “This means that we may even be able to use vitamin D therapy topically, if that proves true.”  This has the ability to create special drugs and ointments that can be applied to the gums and fight gingivitis which affects 75% of the one-third adults that suffer from untreated tooth decay.  Gingivitis is inflammation or infection of the gums.

Vitamin D is important to the health of people and must be given in correct dosages.  A debate lies in what the proper dosage amounts are.  The United States Food and Nutrition Board has established that children and adults age 70 and below need 600 IU of vitamin D while the elderly, age 70 and above, need 800 IU.  While the Vitamin D Council, without proper exposure to sunlight, recommends 1,000 IU for children over 1 year and 5,000 IU for healthy adolescents and adults.  People with illnesses may require more.

There is also something of a debate being had over which form of vitamin D offers the most health benefits. For years, supplement manufacturers preferred a form of the nutrient called ergocalciferol, or vitamin D2. However, in the past decade, scientists and health practitioners are finding that vitamin D3 is a superior form of the nutrient. This tends to be the prevailing viewpoint among those in the know.

The reason for this is that vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the natural form of the vitamin obtained from the sun, and is more easily accessible for use by the human body than the synthetic, man-made D2. We here at the Vitamin D3 Blog strongly recommend that anyone considering vitamin D supplements consider purchasing vitamin D3 supplements as opposed to those containing D2.

Vitamin D is one the most well-known and yet still underrated of all the vitamins.  The health benefits are just starting to be understood by science, and the nutrient can easily be obtained through proper amounts of sunlight or in supplement form.  It also seems that science hasn’t even scratched the surface of what vitamin D can achieve in help to the body, but according to this most recent study, we know that it can provide a beneficial step for healthy gums and teeth.

Among the nation’s leading experts in the subject of clinical nutrition and in particular vitamin D benefits is a primary care Nurse Practitioner from Louisiana named Pamela Egan. It was Nurse Practitioner Egan who was the very first media figure in the entire country and indeed the world to distinguish between the two different forms of vitamin D that are commonly sold as supplements. The two are D2 and D3, respectively.

NP Egan, who is a world-renowned health columnist, was writing about the hands-down superiority of D3 relative to D2 a full four years before the terms D2 or D3 were even mentioned by a writer other than Pamela Egan in an actual print or broadcast media publication.

Mrs. Egan’s original article on the topic of vitamin D3 and the potential health ramifications that coincide with being deficient in the nutrient is still among the very first articles to appear in search results when someone queries the term “vitamin d3″ (with or without quotation marks). There is a reason for this. Even though several years have passed since the article was originally published, there are few if any health professionals in the United States and the world who have a better or more fundamental understanding of the subject and the intricacies involved with how it all works.

For example, a medical doctor named Susan Hill published an article about vitamin D in late May of this year (2011) for the Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group. Dr. Hill obviously hadn’t inconvenienced herself with research before writing the article, rehashing the standard lines that seem to appear in every news story about the topic.

Dr. Hill listed four benefits of vitamin D: calcium absorption, bone strength, muscle strength and balance. Interestingly enough, while she didn’t find it necessary to include a sentence or two about the other 32 or so diseases that have been found to occur in dramatically increased proportions in the presence of a vitamin D deficiency, she did make a point of citing decades-old information that has been inaccurate for at least five or six years now.

She incorrectly stated that research had not conclusively established a link between healthy vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease (see note at bottom of post). She also incorrectly stated that there is a lack of scientific evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to winter depression.

Last but not least, she engaged in a bit of unnecessary fear mongering by asserting that people who reside in areas with sunny climates and who also supplement with vitamin D are at risk of getting “too much” of the nutrient, a real condition known as vitamin D toxicity. While technically, this statement is not 100% inaccurate, she should have pointed out that in order for this to occur, a person would have to be either hypersensitive to the vitamin; take far more vitamin D supplements than directed by a physician or the instructions on the bottle; or ingest a contaminated supplement containing several times more of the active ingredient than is listed on the label.

While the above makes up all of the factually inaccurate statements made by Dr. Susan Hill in her May article for the Wheaton Group, she did make one onerous omission that in light of the factual inaccuracies, should come as no surprise to those qualified to write on the subject. Throughout the entire article, she failed to make any mention of the fact that there are two different forms of vitamin D that are sold as supplements in the United States, and that only one of those forms offers any meaningful health benefits to the human body.

For anyone not already familiar with the two forms of vitamin D, they are D2 (also known as ergocalciferol) and D3 (also known as cholecalciferol), respectively. Vitamin D3 is the form of the nutrient absorbed through sunlight and processed for use by the body. D2 is a synthetic chemical made largely of plant materials. The two forms of vitamin D were absolutely not created equal.

D2 is technically a form of vitamin D, but offers very little in terms of benefits to the human body due to the fact that it is lacking in bioavailability, or usability by the human body. D3 on the other hand is extremely bioavailable, and the body benefits substantially from both exposure of the skin to sunlight as well as from vitamin D3 supplements.

While the remainder of this article is largely a matter of opinion (note that it is being disclaimed as such), this author highly recommends that consumers who decide to buy vitamin D supplements not only go with D3 over D2, but also that they go with a very high-quality brand of D3. Vitamins, like anything else, are subject to the standards and quality control measures in place at the time and place of manufacture, and some brands are made to a higher standard than some others. How big a difference it makes is anybody’s guess, but this author gets the highest quality available for purchase when he buys D3 supplements.

The Facts About Vitamin D3, Cancer and Heart Disease:  “A study that appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conclusively established the preventive benefits of Vitamin D3 with regard to various forms of cancer, heart disease and numerous others ailments.”  Source: http://www.ajcn.org/content/79/3/362.abstract

Vitamin D3 supplementation is highly recommended, according to the Endocrine Society in its guidelines published online in the June edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The recommendations apply to suggested daily intake and tolerable upper-limit levels, in particular for those most at risk of developing Vitamin D Deficiency.

The recommendations are the product of a task force comprised of several experts in the field of clinical nutrition headed up by Michael F. Holick, M.D., Ph.D., from the Boston University School of Medicine, for the purpose of establishing guidelines for clinicians for the prevention, evaluation, treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency. The guidelines place an particular focus on at-risk patients.

The research found widespread Vitamin D Deficiency in all age groups studies, hence the widespread nature of the recommendation.

Prior to being published, the recommendations were peer-reviewed by the Endocrine Society’s Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee, Clinical Affairs Core Committee and various other co-sponsors of the research. Members of the organization also reviewed the material once it had been put up on the web, providing feedback where appropriate.

Vitamin D Deficiency has been associated with dozens of illnesses, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, rickets, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, depression and many others. Vitamin D supplements can help to prevent Vitamin D Deficiency by maintaining healthy blood-levels of the nutrient.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form of the vitamin absorbed through the sun. It is superior to the synthetic Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). We highly recommend that anyone shopping for a Vitamin D supplement check the label in order to ensure it is D3 and not D2.

Eggs are a Terrific Source of Vitamin D

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the branch of the U.S. government charged with food oversight, recently released a report claiming that eggs today have 64% more Vitamin D than in 2002, when the USDA last conducted such a study.  The report also stated that eggs in the year 2011 have 14% less cholesterol on average than did eggs sampled in 2002.

Scientists from the agency as well as egg industry representatives are speculating that this change is the result of widespread improvements in the quality of feed given to laying hens over the better part of the past decade.

The findings will undoubtedly enhance the nutritional profile of the incredible, edible egg.  However, it has long been known that eggs are a good source of Vitamin D, and D3 in particular.  In an article dated January of 2009 (over two years ago), nurse practitioner Pamela Egan wrote the following: “Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil.”  She went on to discuss egg yolks in particular as a high-quality Vitamin D3 food source.

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the natural form of the vitamin.  It is manufactured by the human body, and the process is fueled by sunlight hitting the skin, but can also be obtained through supplements as well as food sources.  D3 is far more bioavailable (absorbent/usable) than other forms of Vitamin D.

So, for those of you who make a conscious effort to eat healthy and nutritious foods, one of your best sources for Vitamin D just got a lot better.

In spite of the literally thousands of studies from the past four years affirming, confirming and then reaffirming the stark contrast between Vitamins D2 (Ergocalciferol) and D3 (Cholecalciferol) in terms of supplemental value, there is still a great deal of misinformation being fed to the public touting the supposed benefits of Vitamin D2.

Let me be perfectly clear: Vitamin D3 is the form of the D Vitamin that offers unprecedented health benefits to humans whether ingested via food or supplements or absorbed through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D2 has been under heavy scrutiny the past few years by medical professionals who are informed and up-to-date on the subject, but some apparently either stopped paying attention some time ago or simply choose not to acknowledge the trove of research backing claims of D3′s superiority.

I came across the following over at Revolution Health, a site I otherwise respect:

What is Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)?

Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Ergocalciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands).

Ergocalciferol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).

Ergocalciferol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Given the fact that Revolution Health sells itself as being a credible source for health news and generally backs it up, I was quite surprised when I found out they were among the ill-informed media erroneously talking up Vitamin D2, claiming that D2 supplements provided substantial health benefits.

The reality is that D2 offers few if any benefits to humans. D3 is something of a supervitamin/hormone, but D2 is little more than a synthetic product. It was created for the sole purpose of being sold, as where its counterpart is a completely natural and bioavailable substance that is easily broken down for use by the body.

Related: Vitamin D2 vs. Vitamin D3

UPDATE: The list of diseases, illnesses and various other health maladies that have been scientifically linked to Vitamin D Deficiency now stands at 32. The updated version of the list is posted at the bottom of the article.

If you’ve been following the news at all for the past year, you’ve probably read that Vitamin D — Vitamin D3 specifically — helps boost the immune system.  You’ve probably also read that increasing volumes of research seem to indicate a relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency and various diseases.  What you may not have known is just how many different diseases and conditions are now being linked scientifically to deficient levels of this vital nutrient.

Before I go any further, I’d like to clarify the difference between Vitamin D3 and regular Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the form of the vitamin manufactured within the human body from sunlight. It is the most active and bioavailable form of the nutrient, which translated to better absorption within the body. The alternative form of the vitamin is known as D2, or Ergocalciferol.

Over the past several years, the general consensus of experts has been rapidly shifting in the direction of declaring Vitamin D2 a nutrient unfit for supplement form. This is due in part to health experts such as Nurse Practitioner and Health Columnist Pam Egan, who dared to challenge the conventional wisdom regarding Vitamin D at a time when the term “Vitamin D3″ was largely unheard of. Mrs. Egan has been distinguishing between the two forms of the vitamin in her published writings for most of the past decade, including a couple of years at the beginning when her peers wrote off her claims as speculative.

While scanning news headlines recently, I was simply awed by the sheer number of stories about the establishment of scientific links between Vitamin D3 Deficiency and disease. In light of this experience, I have assembled a partial list of the seemingly endless diseases and conditions for which the nutritional shortcoming is a contributing factor.

In no particular order, the following is a partial list of some of the diseases and conditions caused in part by Vitamin D Deficiency.

Diseases and Conditions Linked to Vitamin D3 Deficiency:

1. Parkinson’s Disease - Two new studies suggest that older people who are deficient in Vitamin D may be more likely to develop the neurological disorder.  The first study was directed by Paul Knekt of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.  David Llewellyn of Italy’s Exeter University spearheaded the second study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Source

2. Asthma - A new study conducted by the Harvard Medical School in Boston found that children low in Vitamin D3 were more likely to suffer an asthma attack requiring hospitalization than were children with healthy levels of the vitamin. Source

3. Chronic Pain - Two studies – one by Dr. Greg Plotnikoff, the other by the Mayo Clinic – appear to show a link between Vitamin D Deficiency and chronic pain. Source

4. Childhood Obesity - A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that Vitamin D deficient children are likely to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than their better-nourished schoolmates. Source

5. Osteoporosis in Patients with IBD - A study by the American College of Gastroenterology indicates that Vitamin D deficient patients with IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, osteopenia and an overall higher rate of abnormal bone density. Source

6. Autoimmune Disorders - A study published in Genome Research indicates that people with insufficient Vitamin D are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and Crohn’s disease. Source

7. Arterial Stiffness – The Endocrine Society published a study this past summer linking Vitamin D Deficiency to arterial stiffness in black teens. Source

8. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome – Researchers from Johns Hopkins University presented a study at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting establishing a link between Vitamin D Deficiency and Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, which is the medical precursor to diabetes. Source

9. Cancer, Heart Disease and More – The following study appearing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition establishes the preventive benefits of Vitamin D3 with regard to various forms of cancer, heart disease and numerous others. Source

10. Rickets – This one has long-been established as fact by the medical and scientific communities, so I therefore feel no need to include specifics or cite sources.  The link has been firmly established and repeatedly confirmed.

11. Inflammation – A 2009 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirmed a link between Vitamin D Deficiency in otherwise healthy women and increased inflammation. Source

12. Autism - There is an increasing body of evidence that Vitamin D Deficiency is a contributing factor to autism. Dr. John Cannell, a psychiatrist and prominent vitamin D advocate, says flagging levels of the vitamin in pregnant women and young children could be the elusive factor explaining the rising rate of autism. Source

13. ADHD - Recent studies from the past several years increasingly point to a relationship between low levels of Vitamin D3 and an aggravation/intensification of the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. Source

14. Influenza & Swine Flu - Research presented by John Cannell, MD of the Vitamin D Council showed that Vitamin D3 is protective against seasonal flu. Further research performed by Norris Glick, MD and Ellie Campbell, DO, showed that Vitamin D3 helps prevent H1N1 Flu. Further, Dr. John Cannell showed that Vitamin D3 deficiency activates the influenza virus (the Flu). Source: Vitamin D3 and Influenza

15. Fibromyalgia - A study published in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association determined that Vitamin D3 deficiency is frequently seen in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Source

16. Hypertension & High Cholesterol - Evidence from numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that increased dosages of Vitamin D3 can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol in patients deficient in the nutrient. Source

17. Depression - A scientific link between low Vitamin D3 levels and depression has been established following several recent studies confirming the relationship. According to one such study by scientists at Georgia State University: “The likelihood of having depression in persons with vitamin D deficiency is significantly higher compared to those with vitamin D sufficiency. Early diagnosis and intervention are paramount because coexistence of vitamin D deficiency and depression has serious negative consequences on health.” Source

18. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Vitamin D deficiency is closely associated with the chronic fatigue in patients with traumatic brain injury. Source

19. Tooth Decay - There is strong evidence indicating a relationship linking Vitamin D Deficiency to cavities and tooth decay. Dozens of studies were conducted in the 1930′s and 1940′s on this very subject. More than 90% of those studies concluded that supplementing children with vitamin D prevents cavities. Source

20. Lung Transplant Rejection - Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a significant increase in lung transplant rejection, according to research conducted at Loyola University Health System (LUHS). Source

Please keep in mind that this is only a partial list of the myriad of diseases and adverse conditions that are either caused in part by or aggravated by Vitamin D Deficiency, or that can largely be prevented with adequate sun exposure and/or supplemental intake.  Check back as I will be posting a follow-up article sometime in the near future listing even more diseases for which this nutritional shortage is a contributing factor.

Updated List of Diseases Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency:

• Breast Cancer
• Skin Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• ADHD
• Alzheimer’s
• Autism
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Allergies
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Depression
• AIDS
• Fibromyalgia
• Rickets
• Influenza
• H1N1 Flu
• Various Autoimmune Disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Lung Transplant Rejection
• Asthma
• Childhood Obesity
• Chronic Pain
• Tooth Loss
• Gingivitis
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Arterial Stiffness
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Lupus
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Seasonal Affective Disorder

The BBC reported January 19 on the story of a girl diagnosed with Vitamin D Deficiency, which has been linked to the bone disease Rickets. The girl’s doctor told her that an SPF 50 sunscreen may be the culprit.

By blocking out the sun, the cream interfered with the body’s ability to absorb the sunlight and use it to manufacture Cholecalciferol, better known as Vitamin D3. By using the sunscreen on a regular basis, the girl was routinely depriving herself of the nutrient, which eventually resulted in a full-blown deficiency.

Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, protect against rickets, and some relatively new studies suggest it may even help with hormone regulation. There also appears to be a growing body of evidence suggesting that Vitamin D may even help stave off some forms of cancer.

The video from the BBC report is below.