When to take vitamin D and when not to

In recent decades, Vitamin D has undoubtedly been one of the most studied nutrients and one of the most talked about. In fact, it was the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (COVID-19) which increased his popularity, interest and attention to him. First of all, following studies that confirmed its potential protective role against infection. However, major health organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), now recommend vitamin D supplementation for certain populations at risk of deficiency; however, Currently, no one recommends taking supplements as a specific measure to prevent or treat Covid-19.

Despite our ability to produce it when exposed to sunlight, its presence in a variety of natural food sources and fortified foods, and its widespread availability as a dietary supplement, Its deficiency is a serious public health problem affecting almost 50% of the world’s population.as documented in a new study published in the journal Nutrients.

Low serum levels are associated with increased susceptibility to numerous diseases., including respiratory infections, poor mental health, autoimmune diseases and various types of cancer. Although the link between levels of this nutrient and health is well known, the exact beneficial effects of it are still inconclusive. especially considering its role in the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. and also when establishing adequate dose have such beneficial effects on various population groups.

But In reality, there is more light than shadow about its benefits. Shortly after the publication of Nutrients, another essay arrived from researchers at the Francis Crick Institute (in London), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, and Aalborg University. in Denmark, where it is shown how vitamin D stimulates the growth of intestinal bacteria in mice, which increases immunity against cancer.

Cancer resistance

In a paper published in the journal Science, researchers found that Mice fed a nutrient-rich diet had better immune resistance to experimentally transplanted cancer. and better response to immunotherapy treatment. This effect was also observed when gene editing was used to remove a protein that binds to vitamin D in the blood and keeps it from tissues.

The team found that acts on intestinal epithelial cells, which in turn increases the number of bacteria called ‘Bacteroid fragile‘. This microorganism gave the rodents better immunity against tumors: the transplanted tumors did not grow as much, but researchers are still not sure how this effect occurs. To test whether the bacteria themselves could provide better immunity against the disease, Bacteroides fragilis was administered to mice fed a normal diet. They were also better able to resist tumor growth, but not when they were exposed to a vitamin D-deficient diet.

Returning to the work we mentioned at the beginning of the article. It is important to emphasize that this supports the need for more research to determine the beneficial effects of nutrients and suggests the need for precision nutrition and individualized supplementation plans. They may be a way to establish the actual need for a vitamin individually so that it is much more effective.

We know that this nutrient is critical for both vertebrates and humans. Maintains normal levels of calcium and phosphorus., supporting skeletal health, muscle function, immunity and cellular processes. It is found in some foods and supplements and is synthesized by exposure to the sun. Absorbed in the intestines and this absorption is enhanced by dietary fats. Although obesity and aging do not affect this process, overweight people may require higher doses to achieve optimal levels.

The Spanish Society for Research on Bone and Mineral Metabolism (SEIOMM) sets serum 25(OH)D concentrations of 25 ng/mL or more as general optimal values ​​for the general population. Below this, 25(OH)D levels less than 10 ng/mL are considered severe deficiency.and it will be a moderate deficiency or insufficiency if they are maintained at 10 to 25 ng/ml.

Sun exposure converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3, which is activated through hydroxylation reactions in the liver and kidneys. Calcidiol, the main circulating form, is converted to calcitriol, which is considered essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Most of the “miracle vitamin” comes from sunlight and Adequate levels are vital to preventing health problems.. However, deficiency, detected by low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, compromises musculoskeletal health. But let’s talk about its benefits.

Helpful for depression

Sunshine improves your mood, as does vitamin D. A study published in the journal Neuropsychiatry found a link between depression and low levels of depression. However, the authors acknowledged that more research is needed to determine its precise functioning..

For example, whether low levels are a cause or consequence of depression. However, they also recommended deficit screening for people suffering from this mental disorder.

May reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis

Getting enough nutrients can reduce your chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). It is an autoimmune disease caused by nerve damage caused by inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). Lower levels were associated with a higher risk of disease. However, higher intake levels may lead to decreased activity of multiple sclerosis and a decreased likelihood of relapses, as shown in a Neurology and Therapy study.

Strengthens bones

It is known for its ability to influence the formation and strengthening of bones. The calcium that benefits them would not be able to do its job well without it. A “perfect union” of both nutrients They may also help prevent osteoporosis.

Strengthens the immune system

The British Medical Journal included a study that analyzed 25 studies that compared vitamin D supplements with placebo (inactive substances). Conclusion: nutrient reduces the risk of acute respiratory infections when taken daily or weeklyespecially for people with disabilities.

Stronger muscles

In addition to its ability to form bones, it also has an effect on strengthening muscles. Helps muscle fibers develop and grow, which may contribute, in connection with better bone quality, to improved balance and reduce the risk of falls.

for diabetes

One study found that six months of supplementation improved insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes or at high risk of the disease.

Reduces irritable bowel symptoms.

The Clinic of the University of Navarra remembers that irritable bowelMore accurately called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is a chronic, relapsing condition characterized by abdominal pain and/or changes in bowel rhythm (diarrhea or constipation).

Vitamin D may be beneficial for sick people. A review of six studies with data from 572 participants found that An association has been found between taking dietary supplements and less severe IBS symptoms.. And they suggested that the reduction in severity may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

It may be important to remember, as the Spanish Association of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) says, that, given the growing number of publications on the subject, Many people visit their doctor to have their vitamin D levels assessed in their blood.. However, experts believe that screening the population to determine its level is unjustified. They should only be taken by people at risk, such as those with dark skin, those who are obese, those with little sun exposure, people over 60, people with skin conditions or those taking certain medications such as antiepileptic drugs or rifampicinwhich favors its low levels.