Why You Should Test Your Levels of Vitamin D
posted 30th December 2024
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that supports multiple functions in the body, ranging from bone health to immunity. All my clients know that testing levels of vitamin D is one of the first things I will suggest, especially during the winter. Despite it’s importance, low levels of vitamin D are very common, especially in modern times where people spend much of the working day indoors. In this article, I will take a closer look at this vital nutrient and explain how and why you should test your levels.
What is Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and, unlike most vitamins, vitamin D functions more like a hormone. Vitamin D comes in two forms:
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) - Found in plant-based sources such as mushrooms.
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) - Found in animal-based sources such as eggs and oily fish and produced when our skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun.
Vitamin D3 is the more bioactive form and is more effective at raising vitamin D levels in our blood. In order to make vitamin D in our skin, the sun must be sufficiently high in the sky, so as a guide we can only make vitamin D when our shadow is shorter than we are! Putting mushrooms in the sun before eating them can also raise their levels!
Role of Vitamin D
Vitamin D has many vital functions within our body:
- Bone Health - Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption in our intestines. Without good levels of vitamin D we cannot absorb the calcium we need from food in order to build and maintain strong bones. This can lead to a condition called osteomalacia (adults) or rickets (children) where we have weakened and soft bones.
- Immune Function - One of the most important roles of vitamin D is supporting immune health. Vitamin D enhances our pathogen fighting white blood cells that help our immune defence and produce a stronger response to infections. Vitamin D also regulates our immune response and can help reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
- Mood and Mental Health - Vitamin D also affects the brain and plays a role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety so it is particularly important for mental well-being.
- Cardiovascular Health - Vitamin D plays a role in heart health by influencing blood pressure and fluid balance, therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Symptoms of Low Vitamin D
The symptoms of low vitamin D can be many and varied as it affects so many systems in the body. However, some common signs and symptoms are:
- Bone pain and muscle weakness - Since vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, low levels can lead to bone discomfort and muscle aches.
- Frequent illness or infections - Vitamin D helps support the immune system so frequent colds or infections can indicate low levels.
- Fatigue and tiredness - Chronic low energy levels, even with adequate rest, may be linked to low vitamin D.
- Depression or low mood - Vitamin D’s role in serotonin production means low levels may lead to mood disorders.
- Hair Loss - Some research links vitamin D deficiency with hair thinning or loss, especially relating to autoimmune conditions such as alopecia.
Reasons for Low Levels of Vitamin D
Several factors contribute to low vitamin D, many of which are related to lifestyle and environment:
- Lack of Sun Exposure - This is one of the most common reasons for low vitamin D. People living in northern latitudes or who spend most of their time indoors may not get enough sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D. The use of suncream, whilst important for protecting against skin cancer, also blocks the UV rays necessary for vitamin D synthesis.
- Age - As we age, we become less efficient at synthesising vitamin and older adults can also spend more time indoors.
- Skin Pigmentation - Melanin, the pigment which gives skin its colour, can reduce the skin’s ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight. Therefore people with darker skin tones may require more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin as those with lighter skin tones.
- Dietary Insufficiency - Whilst dietary sources of vitamin D are limited, a diet low in these foods such as oily fish and egg yolks, can contribute to lower levels.
- Genetic Variants - Certain genetic variants, such as ones which effect our vitamin D receptors (VDR) and the vitamin D binding protein (GC), can reduce the ability to circulate vitamin D in the blood and decrease cell sensitivity to it. People with these variants will need higher levels of vitamin D than others. Testing for these genetic variants can be done through a Lifecode GX genetic panel.
Conclusion
Vitamin D is essential for numerous bodily functions and achieving optimal vitamin D levels is critical for maintaining bone health, immune function and mental well-being. Vitamin D does not work in isolation but alongside other crucial nutrients such as vitamin A, magnesium and vitamin K so achieving optimal balance of all these nutrients is crucial. A Medicinal Eating Nutritional Therapy consultation provides an analysis of nutrient deficiencies alongside an in depth review of symptoms to identify the root cause of health issues. Addressing these imbalances on a personalised basis is the key to improving overall health.
You can learn more about purchasing a Vitamin D test and review here or if you would like to book a complimentary discovery call please get in contact.
