Vitamin D is unique from the other micronutrients. Some speculate that it can be considered as a hormone due the sheer amount of vitamin D receptors throughout the body. Our immune system alone contains a large amount of them for a proper immune response.

The way vitamin D gets absorbed differs from other vitamins. Its benefits on cardiac health, muscular issues, and immunity are undeniable.

The best natural source of vitamin D is none other than the sun. The edible sources of vitamin D are few, like eggs, liver, fish, and common pantry ingredients. You might come across food products like bread, cereal, and dairy that are vitamin D fortified.

It is also one of the rare vitamins our body can produce by itself. Such features differentiate vitamin D from the others.

Vitamin D is so vital to our health that the World Health Organization (WHO) listed it as an essential medication required for safe and optimum health.

The most highlighted benefit of vitamin D is its effect on bone health. For issues arising from vitamin D deficiency like osteoporosis, osteopenia, rickets, and disorders targeting the bones, supplements are given. Recent studies determined that supplementation in the elderly may prevent fractures or weak bones when taken regularly.

Vitamin D also exhibits a beneficial effect on other disorders. Here are five conditions vitamin D can help.

1. Muscular Issues

A study from Birmingham documented an increase in muscle strength upon supplementation with vitamin D.

Different variables like fat content, muscle mass, and active and inactive vitamin D levels were measured.

Active vitamin D, in particular, enhances muscle strength more than its inactive counterpart.

The Metabolism and Systems Research noted that vitamin D receptors present in the muscle exhibit their function there. They also observed a link between genes involved with muscle function and vitamin D levels.

2. Memory Loss And Alzheimer’s

Dementia or the loss of memory is a prominent symptom of Alzheimer’s. It may get positively altered through vitamin D. Tests have also been done on the relationship between different types of dementia and vitamin D.

Initiating the study, 1,600 adults not having dementia were examined. The study found that people with insufficient vitamin D had a 53% more chance of developing memory loss than individuals with normal vitamin D levels.

The individuals with a severe deficiency were 125% more at risk of developing it, concluding that vitamin D may halt the progression of dementia.

3. Diabetes

A study suggested that low vitamin D levels may result in a higher risk of developing diabetes.

To examine the relationship between diabetes and vitamin D, they noted the stable glucose levels of people with no diabetes or pre-diabetes.

The nutrient levels appeared to be a strong indicator of whether or not the person would end up with diabetes.

People with more than 50 nanograms per milliliter suffer from one-fifth of the risk. And above 30 nanograms, the probability was one-third of the usual risk.

While the research author acknowledged the need for further research, he claimed the results to be valuable. He stated that there may be a linkage and that vitamin D may assist in preventing diabetes or the progression of prediabetes.

4. Depression

Depression is higher during winter and seasons where there is less sunlight. It shows that an association between vitamin D, naturally sourced from sunshine, and depression may exist.

Symptoms of depression were less when supplemented with vitamin D as per a study in 2008, where the subjects were also either overweight or obese.

Recent studies also suggest a higher prominence of depression in those deficient in this vitamin.

5. Cardiac Health

Ohio University utilized special equipment (high-tech nanosensors) to determine the connection between heart health and vitamin D and detect activity on a cellular level. The cells, which make up the blood vessels, were observed for their function in circulating blood.

Lifestyle disorders like diabetes and hypertension can alter the proper functioning of the circulatory systems and even give rise to damaged cells. It may increase one’s chance of experiencing a heart attack.

The study established that the damaged cells of the blood vessels may rejuvenate with the help of vitamin D.

While further research is required, the results of this study are promising as not many drugs can restore damaged cells of the heart, while vitamin D can. It is also a cost-effective option for enhancing your heart health as scientists believe it to be more effective than other drugs.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is a global phenomenon, and it is vital to ensure you have sufficient levels of it. Further research is necessary to claim that vitamin D can cure certain diseases. But it does have a beneficial effect on our bones, heart, brain, and immunity. Consult a doctor or medical expert to determine the vitamin D dosage you need. You can make some dietary changes and spend more time in the sunlight for more vitamin D.