Vitamin D Affects Virtually Every Cell in the Body

There are thousands of scientific studies regarding vitamin D, making it one of the most studied vitamins on the planet. There is no debate in the medical community that normal vitamin D3 levels influence human health profoundly.

At Optimal Bio, we monitor more than your hormone levels. We also track vitamin D levels because we know that the process of achieving optimal health requires that we address nutrition as well.

What Does Vitamin D3 Do?

• Affects virtually every cell in your body and affects the expression of around 3,000 genes.
• Unlocks the genetic blueprints that are stored inside our cells.
• Promotes healthy weight, blood sugar regulation, and normal blood pressure.
• Affects everything from bone strength to mood, immune function, and optimal sleeping patterns.

Vitamin D3 can help with weight loss. According to a 2007 study by The Women’s Health Initiative, the combination of calcium and vitamin D3 slowed postmenopausal weight gain in women who were not getting enough calcium. We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from our diets.

These minerals are also crucial for healthy bones and teeth. Anyone with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, pre-diabetes, or excess weight should have their vitamin D levels checked. If you are low, you should be supplementing with a high-quality vitamin D3 to optimize your levels.

What are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

• Fatigue
• General muscle pain and weakness
• Joint pain
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Restless sleep
• Poor concentration
• Headaches
• Bladder problems
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Depression

As part of your initial lab tests, we will also test your levels of vitamin D. We will recommend your appropriate daily dose of supplementation once your level is determined.

The two main ways of getting vitamin D are by exposing your bare skin to sunlight and by taking vitamin D supplements. Most people do not get nearly enough sunlight due to their work schedules, lifestyle, and sunscreen use. The lack of UVB (Ultraviolet B) prevents our bodies from producing enough vitamin D.

I recommend supplementing with 5,000 to 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, depending on your lab levels. In addition to protecting you from the deficiency symptoms listed above, vitamin D3 can decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

It’s important to take your vitamin D with a meal that contains some fat and with a high-quality vitamin K supplement for the best absorption.

A 2012 article published by the National Institute of Health revealed that the combination of low free testosterone and low vitamin D could be a predictor of mortality in older men. The conclusion was that this combined deficiency is commonly associated with heart attacks. At Optimal Bio, our goal is to make sure our patients always have plenty of D and plenty of T to protect their health for the long term!