Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have several potential benefits.
Strengthens bone health
“Vitamin D3 is essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorous, which are essential to maintaining strong, healthy bones,” says F.D., a functional medicine nutritionist and founder of Simply Nourished, a nutrition practice in Elkhorn, Wis. says Sam Schleiger.
Vitamin D supports bone growth and is also required for bone remodeling, the body’s process of removing old bone tissue from the skeleton and forming new bone tissue. “Severe vitamin D deficiency causes rickets” [a softening and weakening of bones] “In children, osteomalacia occurs, and in adults, osteomalacia occurs because the bones don’t have enough calcium,” says Dr. White.
Promotes immune function
Vitamin D is essential for immune health and disease prevention. In fact, some research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may worsen or increase the incidence of certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. “There is also evidence that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D reduces the long-term risk of developing certain types of cancer,” Dr. White added.
According to one review, vitamin D supplementation may be associated with a reduced risk of certain infectious diseases, including influenza and COVID-19. Additionally, another study shows that low vitamin D levels may even increase your risk of multiple sclerosis.
May support weight management
Some studies suggest that obesity may be associated with decreased vitamin D levels. It is also thought that vitamin D may affect weight by regulating the growth of fat cells and changing the expression of certain genes and levels of hormones that affect hunger, such as leptin. It is being
Although more research is needed, one very small study found that combining vitamin D supplementation with a weight loss diet resulted in greater weight and fat loss than a weight loss diet alone.
set the mood
“Vitamin D3 is involved in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which are important in regulating mood,” says Schleiger. “Adequate vitamin D3 levels may help improve mood and overall mental health.”
Interestingly, a review of 25 studies concluded that vitamin D supplementation may reduce negative emotions, especially for people with major depressive disorder or vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, other research suggests that decreased vitamin D levels may be associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
