Vitamin D - Calciferol
What Is It?
A fat soluble vitamin, known as the 'sunshine vitamin' is made when a form of cholesterol reacts to the ultraviolet light whilst the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Cholesterol is the basic building block of Vitamin D in humans - it is converted into cholecalciferol or Vitamin D3 when ultraviolet light hits the cells of our skin.
Mainly stored in the liver it is vital to the human body for promoting absorption of calcium and magnesium helping to maintain strong and healthy bones. Ten to fifteen minutes of good sunshine three times weekly is adequate. Vitamin D also assists the assimilation of Vitamin A.
It is necessary for growth, protects against muscle weakness as well as being involved in regulation of the heartbeat.
Vitamin D is a stable vitamin which does not deteriorate with cooking - interestingly, the use of sunscreens (which have become increasingly popular over the last 50 years due to fears of skin cancers) with a factor as low as 8 reduces the production of vitamin D by 95%.
Why Do We Need It?
To help regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, helps to build strong bones and healthy teeth. Can help in the treatment of asthma and conjunctivitis. Helps prevent osteoporosis, prostate, colon or breast cancer and combined with vitamin A and C can help prevent colds.
Vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system, maintaining a healthy nervous system, a normal heartbeat and efficient blood clotting.
Deficiency Symptoms
Lack of sunshine can cause a vitamin D deficiency. If deficient in Vitamin D the body cannot absorb calcium from food or supplements so when low it removes calcium from the bones to supply muscles especially the heart. Other signs of deficiency are, rickets, tooth decay, fatigue, arthritis, burning mouth and throat, diarrhoea, insomnia, myopia, osteomalacia, joint pain, stiffness, backache, hair loss and increased risk of osteoporosis. The ability to manufacture Vitamin D declines with age so deficiency is common in older people.
Where Can We Find It?
Natural sources are from sunshine, mushrooms, salmon, sardines, dandelion greens, sweet potatoes.
Herbs: alfalfa, horsetail, nettle and parsley.
Be Aware...
Intestinal disorders, liver and gallbladder malfunctions, some cholesterol lowering drugs, antacids and steroid hormones such as cortisone can interfere with absorption of vitamin D. Diuretics can disturb the body’s calcium/vitamin D ratio.
An overdose of Vitamin D supplement can disrupt the balance of calcium and phosphate, leading to calcification of the arteries and kidney damage.
Do not take vitamin D supplements without calcium as toxicity may occur from excess amounts of supplemented Vitamin D
Studies/Research
A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that a deficiency in vitamin D is widespread especially in older adults.
Studies have found a protective relationship between sufficient vitamin D status and lower risk of cancer. The evidence suggests that efforts to improve vitamin D status, for example by vitamin D supplementation, could reduce cancer incidence and mortality at low cost, with few or no adverse effects.
Read More: www.ajph.aphapublications.org
Studies have also indicated vitamin D deficiency is the 'seasonal stimulus' for colds and flu with lower respiratory tract infections being more frequent in people with a deficiency in vitamin D.
Please Note
Vitamins are an essential part of maintaining a fully functional, healthy body - they assist in the growth and development of the body. In combination with all the other essential nutrients they play a part in many roles including metabolism, immunity and digestion. The best and natural way to meet your vitamin needs is to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of raw fruits and vegetables. If you can't meet your needs through food alone, then, and only then you may require dietary supplements. If you feel you need help via alternative methods you must seek guidance from your doctor, nutritionist or natural juice therapist before taking supplements.
References
Nutrients A - Z Dr Michael Sharon
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Melvyn R. Werbach M.D.
The Worlds Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Readers Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr Steve Blake
New Optimum Nutrition Bible - Patrick Holford
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch CNC
www.ajph.aphapublications.org
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.