NUTERICA - D3 Overview

Vitamin D3: A Secosteroid Essential for Health and Longevity

Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is far more complex and powerful than originally thought. Recent research has revealed that vitamin D is actually a secosteroid hormone, a crucial distinction that underscores its role in regulating numerous bodily functions.

As a secosteroid, vitamin D interacts with nearly every cell in the body through vitamin D receptors (VDRs), found in all cell types. These receptors allow vitamin D to regulate the expression of over 2,500 genes, influencing everything from immune function to brain health. This regulation of gene expression plays a critical role in cellular function, immune responses, and even the prevention of genetic conditions that may run in families. The broad scope of vitamin D’s influence on gene expression highlights its indispensable role in maintaining optimal health.

The Problem: Widespread Deficiency and Its Health Consequences

Despite its critical role, vitamin D deficiency is widespread, particularly in northern climates and among people with darker skin. Regular sun exposure, which our ancestors relied on to meet their vitamin D needs, is now less common due to modern lifestyles. Sunscreen, which can block up to 95% of UVB rays necessary for vitamin D production, further limits the body’s ability to synthesize this vital nutrient. Office workers, shift workers, and urban dwellers often do not get enough sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D. Dark-skinned individuals, who naturally produce less vitamin D because melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, need 5 to 10 times more sunlight than their light-skinned counterparts to synthesize the same amount.

Additionally, factors like obesity and aging skin further hinder vitamin D synthesis. Obese individuals store more vitamin D in their fat cells, making it less available for the body to use, while aging skin loses its ability to produce sufficient vitamin D. Without adequate vitamin D, the body’s ability to regulate immune function, bone health, cardiovascular health, and gene expression is severely compromised. Deficiency increases the risk of infections, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders.

Moreover, research shows that taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day may take up to a year to restore normal levels in individuals who are severely deficient. This slow restoration occurs because vitamin D is evenly distributed across all cells, rather than being stored in specific tissues, so when levels are low, the effects are felt throughout the body.

The Benefit: How Vitamin D3 Supports Health and Prevents Disease

Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in maintaining numerous systems in the body. By interacting with vitamin D receptors, it helps regulate a wide range of processes:

Gene Regulation: Vitamin D3 turns on or off specific genes related to immune response, cell growth, and repair. This gene regulation is vital for preventing genetic mutations and ensuring that cells function properly.
Immune Function: Vitamin D3 enhances immune responses by activating T cells, B cells, and macrophages, helping the body fight infections and reduce inflammation.
Bone and Muscle Health: It regulates calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin D3 supports heart and vascular health by reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Brain and Nervous System: Adequate levels of vitamin D are essential for brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and neurological disorders.

Research also indicates that maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D3 can reduce the risk of developing cancer by 50%. This protective effect is due to vitamin D’s ability to regulate cell growth, slow down the proliferation of abnormal cells, and promote the programmed death (apoptosis) of damaged or cancerous cells.

The Solution: Daily Vitamin D3 Supplementation for Health and Longevity

Achieving sufficient vitamin D levels through sun exposure alone is increasingly difficult, making daily supplementation essential. For individuals with darker skin or limited sun exposure, therapeutic doses of 25,000 to 50,000 IU are often necessary to restore and maintain optimal levels. According to research published in The Journal of Steroid Chemistry and Molecular Biology, long-term daily supplementation with doses ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 IU has been shown to be safe, even in patients over extended periods. In this seven-year study, there were no reported cases of vitamin D3-induced hypercalcemia or any adverse effects attributable to high doses of vitamin D3.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been strongly linked to an increase in all-cause mortality, meaning individuals with low vitamin D levels are at higher risk for developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which can lead to a shorter lifespan. On the other hand, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through consistent supplementation promotes all-cause longevity, reducing the risk of these chronic diseases and supporting overall cellular function for a longer, healthier life.

Conclusion

Vitamin D3 is not just a vitamin but a powerful secosteroid hormone that plays a vital role in regulating gene expression and supporting nearly every system in the body. Widespread deficiency, driven by modern lifestyles and reduced sun exposure, leaves millions at risk for chronic diseases, cancer, and genetic disorders. Long-term supplementation at therapeutic levels of 25,000 to 50,000 IU per day has been shown to be safe and is essential for optimizing health, preventing disease, and promoting longevity. In the hierarchy of life’s essentials—after air, water, and food—adequate vitamin D3 levels should be a top priority for maintaining long-term health and well-being.

References:

Cannell, J. J., Vieth, R., Umhau, J. C., Holick, M. F., Grant, W. B., Madronich, S., Garland, C. F., & Giovannucci, E. (2006). Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiology & Infection, 134(6), 1129-1140.
Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281.
McCullough, P. J., Lehrer, D. S., Amend, J., Price, R., Aguirre, D., & Scragg, R. (2019). Daily oral dosing of vitamin D3 using 5000 to 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients: Insights from a seven-year experience. The Journal of Steroid Chemistry and Molecular Biology, 189, 228-239.

Additional Information

How Vitamin D Works

When we get vitamin D from sunlight or food, it goes through a process in our body to become active. First, it is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol). Then, it is converted in the kidneys to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol). This active form interacts with vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in our cells, helping to regulate many important functions in our bodies.

Why Every Cell Needs Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for every known cell in our body, each equipped with vitamin D receptors (VDRs) that underscore its essential role. Here's an in-depth look at how vitamin D supports various cells and systems:

Cells with Vitamin D Receptors (VDRs)

Immune, Bone, and Muscle Cells:

T cells, B cells, Macrophages, Dendritic cells:Modulate immune responses to prevent infections and autoimmune diseases.

Osteoblasts, Osteoclasts:Crucial for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, vital for strong bones and teeth.

Skeletal Muscle Cells, Cardiac Muscle Cells: Enhance muscle strength and coordination.

Other Cells:

Neurons, Glial Cells, Myelin Sheath: Support brain health, cognitive function, and nerve insulation.

Stem Cells: Contribute to tissue repair and regeneration.

Endothelial Cells, Smooth Muscle Cells, Arterial Cells: Improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.

Enterocytes, Hepatocytes: Aid in nutrient absorption and liver function.

Alveolar Cells, Bronchial Epithelial Cells:** Enhance lung function and protect against respiratory infections.

Adipocytes: Involved in fat storage and energy metabolism.

Keratinocytes, Melanocytes: Promote healthy skin function and pigmentation.

Pancreatic Islet Cells: Influence insulin secretion.

Parathyroid Gland Cells: Regulate calcium levels.

Ovarian Cells, Testicular Cells: Essential for reproductive hormone regulation and fertility.

Importance of Vitamin D Across Various Systems

Bone and Muscle Health:

- Ensures proper bone development and mineralization through the regulation of calcium and phosphorus.

- Supports muscle function, reducing the risk of muscle weakness and falls.

Immune Function

- Plays a vital role in the immune system by enhancing the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages and reducing inflammation.

Cellular Function and Cancer Prevention:

- Regulates cell growth and differentiation, which is crucial in preventing the proliferation of cancer cells.

Cardiovascular System:

- Maintains cardiovascular health by influencing heart and blood vessel functions.

Brain and Nervous System:

- Crucial for brain development and function; linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and mental health disorders.

Endocrine Health:

- Influences hormone production, including insulin, which plays a role in managing diabetes.

Chronic Diseases and Vitamin D

Cardiovascular Diseases: Adequate vitamin D reduces the risk of heart disease and hypertension.

Type 2 Diabetes: Helps regulate insulin levels and glucose metabolism.

Cancer Therapy: Vitamin D is investigated for its potential to slow cancer cell growth, promote cell death, and reduce metastasis.

Autoimmune Conditions: Essential in modulating the immune system to prevent diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Mental Health Disorders: Linked to decreased risks of depression and dementia through its neuroprotective effects.

Medical Research Links:

Scientific documentation of the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and the development of cancer. Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology

It is well known that vitamin D plays a key role in calcium homeostasis and is important for optimal skeletal growth. The major function of vitamin D is to enhance the efficiency of calcium absorption from the small intestine. Most physicians relate vitamin D deficiency to disorders of skeletal muscle. Vitamin D deficiency in children can manifest itself as rickets. In adults, vitamin D deficiency results in osteomalacia. Because most physicians do not appreciate the role of vitamin D deficiency in predisposing the development of cancer, we have written this important report as a wake-up call to physicians and other healthcare workers in documenting the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and cancer. Epidemiological data show an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and breast cancer incidence. In addition, there is a well-documented association between vitamin D intake and the risk of breast cancer. Low vitamin D intake has also been indicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. A vitamin D deficiency has also been documented in patients with prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, as well as multiple myeloma. Larger randomized clinical trials should be undertaken in humans to establish the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of these cancers.

Daily oral dosing of vitamin D3 using 5000 TO 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients: Insights from a seven year experience. The Journal of Steroid Chemistry and Molecular Biology

Vitamin D3 is a secosteroid hormone produced in the skin in amounts estimated up to 25,000 international units (IUs) a day by the action of UVB radiation on 7-dehydrocholesterol. Vitamin D deficiency is common due to both lack of adequate sun exposure to the skin, and because vitamin D is present in very few food sources. Deficiency is strongly linked to increased risk for a multitude of diseases, several of which have historically been shown to improve dramatically with either adequate UVB exposure to the skin, or to oral or topical supplementation with vitamin D. In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day appears to be safe. There have been no cases of vitamin D3 induced hypercalcemia or any adverse events attributable to vitamin D3 supplementation in any patient.

Vitamin D and benign prostatic hyperplasia -- a review. The Canadian Journal of Urology

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a more common form of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). BPH is due to the excessive growth of both stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate. Fifty percent of men over the age of 50 will have this disease, along with the probability that 90% of men at the age of 80 will have an enlarged prostate. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the male urological population may represent a connection between BPH and vitamin D.
Conclusion: The impact of vitamin D on prostate volume and BPH has shown promising results, thus proposing further studies on vitamin D and BPH be conducted.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in major depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: There is a need to develop and periodically evaluate new treatment strategies in major depression due to the high burden of non-response and inadequate response to antidepressants. Aim: We aimed to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression symptom scores among individuals with clinically diagnosed major depression.
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation favorably impacted depression ratings in major depression

Vitamin D alters developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit

Background: Neuroscientists have shown how vitamin D deficiency affects developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit, which may lead to the dopamine dysfunction seen in adults with schizophrenia.

Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may help prevent early developmental changes in dopamine neurons, potentially reducing the risk of Conclusion: Dopamine dysfunction and schizophrenia later in life.

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