22 cells . In this way it is able to modulate immune cells activities and trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses . There are genetic links to how well we can utilize Vitamin D . We can now assess this through genetic testing and the VDR genes .
There are three ways to increase Vitamin D :
Comes in 2 distinct forms that differ in molecular structure but are similar in structure :
• Vitamin D2 , aka ergocalciferol
• Vitamin D3 , aka cholecalciferol
It is estimated that 41 % of Americans are deficient on Vitamin D . Low levels can be linked to autoimmune disease , fatigue , depression , diabetes , obesity , osteoporosis , and some cancers .
How do we increase Vitamin D levels
• The body naturally produces most of its vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet rays form the sun
• We can also get sufficient amount through foods
Skin color is actually an evolutionary mechanism due to sun exposure . The darkest skin pigment occurs in populations near the tropics . While the lightest is in people indigenous to area away from the equator , such as the Scandinavian countries of Norway , Sweden , and Finland . It is theorized that the skin color is lighter to allow for sun to penetrate so that Vitamin D can be synthesized .
Vitamin D deficiency is known as Ricketts in children and osteomalacia in adults . Even though , we don ’ t see high levels of this level of deficiency anymore , we still see concerns with low levels throughout our society . Currently , the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) estimates that approximately 1 / 3 of all Americans are lower than optimal in vitamin D levels . Some other estimates place the rate at onehalf to two-thirds of the population .
Vitamin D mediates its effect through binding to Vitamin D receptors , known as VDRs , which is harbored on many human immune
22 cells . In this way it is able to modulate immune cells activities and trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses . There are genetic links to how well we can utilize Vitamin D . We can now assess this through genetic testing and the VDR genes .
Epidemiological data shows a strong correlation between poor vitamin D status and higher risk for chronic inflammatory illnesses . There are also numerous studies that show that higher Vitamin D levels correlate with better outcomes with certain diseases such as cancer .
Research has shown an amazing correlation of increasing 25 ( OH ) D levels to improve with autoiummune disease , especially in the case of thyroid autoiummune diseases . With every 5 nmol / L increase in serum 25 ( OH ) D concentration , there was a reduction in the risk for thyroid concerns linked to autoimmune disease . The lower the vitamin D level , the higher the risk for some autoimmune disease .
What should your level be ? Vitamin D levels can be tested in the blood . It is important to make sure that the levels are above 30 nmol / L and optimally should be above 50 nmol / L .
There are three ways to increase Vitamin D :
1 . Sun exposure 2 . Vitamin D supplementation 3 . Vitamin D foods - fortified or naturally occurring foods such as eggs , liver , and fatty fish ( mackerel , herring , and salmon ). Some dairy foods are fortified with vitamin D and will be labeled accordingly . Exercise can also help to naturally increase Vitamin D levels .