3 Benefits of Vitamin D3
There are countless benefits to vitamin D, and while it’s hard to cover them all in a single post, here are some of the most significant health advantages of vitamin D3. These benefits have been extensively studied and documented.
Nutrition for Your Brain
Getting enough vitamin D is crucial for your brain health. Recent research has delved into the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and vitamin D deficiency. With over 35 million people worldwide suffering from Alzheimer’s, including over 5 million in the United States, the numbers are expected to skyrocket to 15 million by 2050. Although taking vitamin D won’t necessarily prevent Alzheimer’s, there’s a notable link between low vitamin D levels and the disease, with around 90% of Alzheimer’s patients showing deficiencies.
One study highlighted the impact of vitamin D on Alzheimer’s in elderly women. It revealed that those with the highest intake of vitamin D had a lower incidence of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Another research involving 300 elderly individuals found a staggering 250% increase in Alzheimer’s cases among those with low blood levels of vitamin D.
Nutritional Support for Autoimmune Disorders
The incidence of autoimmune disorders has surged in recent decades, with more than 80 types identified. Vitamin D acts as a powerful modulator of the immune system. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, a process that doesn’t happen under normal circumstances.
A study showed that adult women who regularly consumed a multivitamin with just 400 IU/day of vitamin D had a 40% reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In another study, high-dose vitamin D supplementation led to significant improvements in RA symptoms for 89% of patients, and 45% of them achieved complete remission. This suggests that adequate vitamin D levels are very beneficial for joint health.
Immune System Support
Colds and flu are common illnesses that have affected humanity for centuries, and we still haven’t found a definitive cure. These illnesses typically arise when the immune system, our primary line of defense, isn’t functioning optimally. Data from 31 years of flu activity in the United States shows that December through March are the peak months for flu contraction, with February being the most active. During the winter months, UVB rays from the sun are significantly reduced in most of North America, leading to minimal vitamin D production.
Vitamin D Supplementation
Given the widespread risk of vitamin D deficiency, it’s important to understand the role of this nutrient as a supplement. I recommend supplementing with vitamin D3, the most bioavailable form of the vitamin. Global Healing’s Vitamin D3 contains cholecalciferol, a revolutionary type of D3 that is naturally derived from lichen.
Ensuring you get enough vitamin D3 can help support your brain health, improve symptoms of autoimmune disorders, and bolster your immune system, particularly during flu season.