Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is recognized for proper immune function, bone health and arterial health. However, Vitamin D has many other functions. It helps to regulate phosphorus balance which is needed for cell differentiation. It also plays an important role in Insulin secretion. Vitamin D plays a role in brain development early in life as well as brain function in adults. Decreased levels can lead to depressed moods, seasonal disorders, and impaired cognition. Vitamin D receptors are found throughout the body and influence the expression of thousand of genes.

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin form Cholesterol.  It gets converted in both the Liver and Kidneys, but the best measure of Vitamin D is 25(OH)D3 after its conversion in the Liver. Optimal Levels are 35 to 50ng/ml.

Many factors can contribute to Vitamin D deficiency. In older there is a reduced capacity to synthesize Vitamin D. Avoiding Sun exposure can decrease Vitamin D levels. Not enough Vitamin D intake which we commonly see in vegans and vegetarians can be a factor. Darker skin individuals have more challenges having enough Vitamin D. One study showed that Vitamin D deficiency in African Americans was 82 percent while the national average was 42 percent.

A test for Vitamin D is very simple. When we run blood in the office, we are ordering more than just Vitamin D in most cases. With a complete or partial blood panel Vitamin D is an add on test. We run these daily when in the office. We don’t just look at the Vitamin D level but what that level is saying in relation to the rest of the blood results.