Why Take Vitamin D?
People infected with the coronavirus are now advised to take a good dose of vitamin D to prevent serious forms of the virus. In addition, the rest of the population can start a cure as a prevention. In fact, 1 in 4 French people have vitamin D deficiencies, indicates Public health France.
This is revealed in a press release signed by 73 French-speaking experts and six learned societies, published on Monday by the Angers University Hospital. Vitamin D brings vitality, energy and increases our immune defenses. It can also limit respiratory infections. According to experts, some proteins can be modulated by vitamin D, including ACE2. They explain : “ACE2 has protective effects against inflammation in several organs, including the lungs. “
Why Vitamin D is important to our health?
Vitamin D is essential for various bodily functions and overall health. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why Vitamin D is needed:
1. Bone Health
Calcium Absorption:
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient Vitamin D, the body cannot absorb enough calcium, which can lead to weakened bones and conditions like osteoporosis or rickets.
Bone Mineralization:
Vitamin D helps regulate bone mineralization by ensuring that calcium and phosphate are adequately available in the blood for bone formation. This process is essential for the development and maintenance of bone density and structure.
2. Immune System Function
Immune Response Regulation:
Vitamin D is important for the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps modulate the immune response, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Adequate levels of Vitamin D can enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Infection Defense:
Vitamin D supports the production of antimicrobial peptides in immune cells, which help defend against pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This can reduce the frequency and severity of infections.
3. Muscle Function
Muscle Strength and Coordination:
Vitamin D contributes to muscle health by regulating the calcium levels needed for muscle contraction. Adequate Vitamin D levels are associated with better muscle strength and coordination, which can help prevent falls and improve overall mobility, especially in older adults.
Prevention of Muscle Weakness:
Deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness and pain. This can impact daily activities and overall quality of life, making Vitamin D essential for maintaining muscle function.
4. Mood and Mental Health
Mood Regulation:
Vitamin D influences the production of neurotransmitters and the expression of neurotrophic factors, which are involved in mood regulation. Adequate Vitamin D levels are linked to a lower risk of mood disorders such as depression.
Cognitive Function:
There is evidence suggesting that Vitamin D may play a role in cognitive health. Adequate levels are associated with better cognitive function and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
5. Cardiovascular Health
Heart Function:
Vitamin D is involved in maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps regulate blood pressure and supports the function of the heart muscle. Adequate levels of Vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Inflammation Reduction:
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to overall cardiovascular health. By reducing inflammation, Vitamin D may help lower the risk of chronic cardiovascular conditions.
6. Insulin Regulation and Diabetes Prevention
Insulin Sensitivity:
Vitamin D influences insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Adequate Vitamin D levels can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Risk Reduction:
There is evidence to suggest that sufficient Vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by improving insulin function and reducing inflammation.
7. General Cellular Function
Cell Growth and Differentiation:
Vitamin D affects cellular processes such as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). These processes are crucial for maintaining healthy cells and tissues and may play a role in cancer prevention.
Gene Expression:
Vitamin D influences the expression of genes involved in various physiological processes, contributing to overall health and disease prevention.
In summary, Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, supporting immune function, enhancing muscle strength, regulating mood, promoting cardiovascular health, managing blood sugar levels, and ensuring proper cellular function. Ensuring adequate intake through diet, sunlight exposure, or supplements is important for overall well-being.
Where can you find vitamin D?
The sun is the main source of vitamin D, but in winter you have to find alternatives. To do this, go for cod liver oil, cheese, fish, egg yolk or even yoghurts and butter.
Be careful, vitamin D does not replace treatments. It is nevertheless“A useful adjuvant to help prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2, but also and above all [pour réduire] the risk of severe forms of Covid-19, resuscitation and death linked to this virus ”. Finally, and not least, she is “Simple, safe, inexpensive, reimbursed by health insurance”.
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