Vitamin D - Out-of-Office

For those of us living in the UK or on the same line of latitude (or above) as us in the UK then Saturday 14th October marked the day when we can no longer synthesise Vitamin D naturally through exposure to the sun until next year. Synthesis of Vitamin D through sunlight exposure is the most efficient way for us to increase or maintain our Vitamin D levels.

So that's it for another 141 days as the earth has tilted on its winter axis for the northern hemisphere.

When Solar Noon goes below 30o the shorter wavelengths of invisible light (Ultraviolet) that allow us to synthesise Vitamin D are unable to reach the surface of the earth as a consequence of the extra distance and also due to the angle of penetration through the ozone layer.

The net result is that we cannot synthesise Vitamin D naturally until early March 2024 at best.

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient with many important functions in the body. Its significance lies in its role in maintaining overall health and well-being and here is an overview of some of the ways Vitamin D interacts with our physiology...

1. Bone Health: Vitamin D plays a critical role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot effectively use the calcium in the diet, leading to conditions like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

2. Immune System Support: Vitamin D has been shown to modulate the immune system and help the body defend against infections and diseases. It plays a role in the production of antimicrobial peptides, which are natural antibiotics that can help the body fight off pathogens. There are many studies that are ongoing suggesting that being Vitamin D sufficient could help the immune system against Covid 19.

3. Mood and Mental Health: Some research suggests that vitamin D may have a role in supporting mental health and reducing the risk of conditions like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Adequate vitamin D levels are associated with better mood and cognitive function. The body has a need for Vitamin D to maintain brain health.

4. Cardiovascular Health: There is evidence to suggest that vitamin D may play a role in supporting cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function.

5. Cancer Prevention: Some studies have suggested that adequate vitamin D levels may be associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer. However, the evidence is still evolving in this area.

6. Autoimmune Diseases: Vitamin D may help regulate the immune system's response, which can be relevant in the context of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.

7. Muscle Strength: Vitamin D is important for maintaining muscle strength and function. Deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and pain.

8. Healthy Pregnancy: Adequate vitamin D is crucial during pregnancy, as it is important for the development of the baby's bones and overall health.

9. Longevity: Some studies have suggested that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be associated with a longer lifespan and better overall health as people age.

Exposure to the sun is not the only way to obtain Vitamin D, we can also get it from dietary sources (such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and fortified cereals), and supplements.

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread across many parts of the world, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure, and it can lead to a range of health issues, however Vitamin D deficiency has been noted in countries with year round sunshine as even in those countries people are spending significant amounts of time indoors.

I'm definitely not a doctor or a physician and so it's really important to strike the right balance, as excessive vitamin D intake can also have adverse effects.

Interested in knowing more about Vitamin D and it's role in our lives? I can highly recommend The Vitamin D Solution by Dr Michael Holick.

Dr Michael Holick is also behind the free app DMinder which can help you track your Vitamin D levels throughout the year.

https://dminder.ontometrics.com

Roll on March 2024!

#sun #sunlight #light #naturallight #vitaminD #health #wellbeing