THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D3
By Dr. A.J. Ford
Vitamin D3 is more potent than vitamin D2, according to a recent study. Previous research has been conflicting as to whether the two forms of vitamin D had equal biological activity. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is formed by plants upon exposure to sunlight. However, humans synthesize vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the skin from cholesterol upon exposure to UV light. Vitamin D3 is then converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyxholecalciferol, which is then converted to the biologically active form, 1,25-hydroxycholecalciferol, in the kidney.
Researchers concluded, Vitamin D3 is approximately 87% more potent in raising and maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and produces 2 to 3-fold greater storage of vitamin D than equimolar vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is thus the preferred treatment when correcting vitamin D deficiency.
It is estimated that 70% of the world’s population, including those areas of high sunshine, is vitamin D deficient. Most people mistakably think that they get enough vitamin D from casual sun exposure or from their diet. Unfortunately this is not true.
The more melanin you have in your skin (dark skinned people) and the faster you tan, the more sunlight you need to convert pre-vitamin D to active vitamin D you can use. The melanin in your skin acts as a natural sunscreen that blocks out up to 90% of UV light.
Africans and very dark skinned people need about 7 times as much sunlight as light-skinned Europeans to manufacture the necessary amount of vitamin D. For Vitamin D to function properly, we need adequate amounts of magnesium. Here we have another problem.
Most people are magnesium deficient. Listed below are conditions associated with a vitamin D deficiency:
a) Seasonal affective depression (SAD);
b) Fibromyalgia
c) Neurological disorders – Parkinsonism; Multiple sclerosis; Alzheimers
d) Osteoporosis
e) Arthritis
f) Autoimmune disorders – Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis etc.
g) Heart disease
h) Flu and recurring colds
i) Cancer
j) Psoriasis
k) Crucial for glucose control – diabetics
l) Crucial for fertility
Vitamin D helps to develop a healthy immune system and plays a key role in regulating cell growth and differentiation, which may prevent cancer. Adequate levels of vitamin D should be taken by breast-feeding mothers, woman in general, in people of color, obese people and elderly people. Infants and children need more vitamin D than do adults.
A very important factor is that Vitamin D up regulates our antimicrobial peptides, which are anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
The practice provides an imported Vitamin D3 as a tasteless oil providing 5000IU per 1ml of oil. A 120ml bottle costs R246.53 for a 4 months supply.
Please contact reception if we can provide you with this product.
Reference: The Vitamin D cure – Dr J.E. Dowd MD