Vitamin D: a natural support for overall health

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," plays a crucial role in our overall health. This fat-soluble vitamin (which can be stored in the body due to its solubility in fats) is primarily synthesised by the skin under the influence of UV rays from the sun. It contributes not only to optimal bone mineralisation but also to a multitude of other essential metabolic functions!

Health benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for many aspects of health:

• Bone health: It facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine, essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones.
• Metabolic function: Vitamin D regulates blood pressure and maintains functional immunity. It plays a role in hair growth and renewal, demonstrating its influence beyond bone health.
• Disease prevention: Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

How to reach the recommended daily doses of Vitamin D?

The majority of the vitamin D needed by our body is produced by the skin when exposed to UV rays from the sun. Moderate and safe sun exposure can help maintain sufficient levels of vitamin D.

However, about 20% of our needs must be met through dietary sources: cod liver oil, fatty fish (such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel), eggs, certain meats, and dairy products are excellent sources of vitamin D.

Due to low sunlight in France from October to February, a course of vitamin D supplements may be considered, especially for those at risk of deficiency.

Complications of Vitamin D overdose

Although beneficial, an overdose of vitamin D can lead to side effects such as hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood) which can affect the functioning of the kidneys, heart, and bones. It is important to follow the recommendations of a healthcare professional before starting a course of vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D and blood pressure

Recent research suggests that vitamin D may play a role in regulating blood pressure. By controlling this parameter, vitamin D indirectly contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D contributes to cardiovascular health in several ways:

• Regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS): Vitamin D reduces the expression of renin, an enzyme that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Excessive RAAS activity can lead to hypertension.
• Protective effect on blood vessels: It promotes vascular health by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Impact of Vitamin D on hair growth

In addition to its benefits on bone and metabolic health, vitamin D is also involved in hair growth and renewal. This lesser-known role highlights the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels for hair health.

In conclusion, vitamin D is an indispensable element of our well-being, positively influencing our bone and metabolic health and much more. Paying particular attention to our sun exposure and diet, supplemented if necessary, can help us maintain optimal levels of this precious vitamin.

History of Vitamin D

Did you know that the body's ability to store vitamin D allows it to compensate for periods of low sunlight? Thanks to its solubility in fats, vitamin D accumulated during sunny months can be used during darker months.