Vitamin D is actually a precursor hormone,  the building block of a powerful steroid hormone in your body called Calcitriol. Vitamin D supports healthy bone renewal, promotes normal cell growth and differentiation throughout the body, and is a critical factor  in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy immune system. 

 

The RDA has recently increased the recommended dose to 1000u per day, but cutting edge medicine demonstrates that much higher doses of 5,000-10,000u per day are needed for maintenance as well as replenishment of vitamin D.  There is national epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency in all age, including infants! 

 

Vitamin D deficiency may be characterized by muscle pain, weak bones/fractures, low energy and fatigue, lowered immunity, symptoms of depression and mood swings, and sleep irregularities.  Patients with kidney  problems or intestinal concerns (such as IBS or Crohn's disease) may be vitamin D deficient because they can neither absorb nor adequately convert the nutrient.

 

With age, our bodies slowly lose the ability to mobilize vitamin D,which then lowers our ability to absorb calcium.  This increases the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in post-menopausal women.  Scientist are not sure how sex hormones affect vitamin D conversion, but women have a harder time stimulating the mechanism that builds bone tissue when their estrogen levels are reduced.

 

Vitamin D may also be a factor in how body regulates weight.  In the past twenty years, multiple studies have demonstrated a correlation between rising obesity rates and vitamin D deficieincy.  People who have a reduced capacity to mobilize vitamin D often weigh more and have more body fat than those with full capacity.

Vitamin D has a connection with insulin resistance and may contribute to disorders like metabolic syndrome  as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome.   So if you are struggling with your weight, have Dr Patel optimize your Vitamin D levels. 

 

Vitamind D is also related to depression. seasonal affective disorder (SAD- situational mood disorder brought on by decreasing daylight in the winter months). High doses of vitamin D during these months have proven to be a very effective natural remedy for SAD, leading most practitioners to believe that normal neurotransmitter function depends in part on adequate vitamin D synthesis.

 

And lastly, for the skin, small studies are beginning to show a correlation with hyperpigmentation and vitamin D deficiency.    Remember, everything is connected and Optimal Health is a constant journey of self improvement that needs constant attention and support!  To learn more about our wellness program or a nutritional deficiency, email or call for an appointment today.

 

 Dr. Patel will be speaking at the Merion Cricket Club on Saturday January 30, 2010 at 9am.  The topic of her talk will be what is silent inflammation and what you can do to improve it. If you would like more information on the talk, please call our office at 610.642.2644.  More information will follow.   

 

 Alma Lasers will be hosting a webinar for all patients on January 20, 2010.  The topic of the webinar will be on The Accent Laser and how it can help improve your body image.  The speaker will be renown, Dr. Martin Braun from Vancover, Canada.   Call in information will follow.