All the benefits of vitamin D

Asthma and allergies

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine showed that vitamin D deficiencies in childhood are related to a higher rate of asthma and allergy.

However, further studies will need to be conducted to evaluate the molecular mechanisms that, to date, are not known.

If missing, the risk of diabetes and heart disease increases. Research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that low vitamin D levels among adolescents are associated with higher blood pressure and higher blood glucose rates.

Although they are preliminary data, the discovery of the US researchers underlines the importance of this vitamin in the prevention of diabetes and heart disease.

Another US study, published in Circulation, found that low levels of vitamin D in adults are linked to a higher incidence of heart disease, especially in subjects suffering from high blood pressure.

Finally, a third study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood showed that supplementing children’s diet with vitamin D supplements could even prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in adulthood.

The mechanisms of this protective action of vitamin D are still to be investigated, but experts hypothesize its role in the functionality of the immune system, as well as a preventive action against dysfunctions affecting the beta cells of the pancreas caused by a class of proteins, cytokines.

Could prevent multiple sclerosis

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that high levels of vitamin D in the blood reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease that affects about 2 million people worldwide.

Already in the past, researchers had observed the role of vitamin D, synthesized by the body thanks to exposure to the sun, against this disease, which is also more widespread in countries where sunlight is scarce.

One more weapon against cancer

There is now a lot of research on the relationship between vitamin D levels and cancer. A group of researchers from the University of San Diego, California, has observed that deficiencies of this substance may be responsible for increased incidence of ovarian, colon, breast and other organ cancers and mortality due to them.

The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, reveals that there is a higher incidence and higher mortality rate from cancer among black people, whose skin tends to produce less vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet rays, and among those who live in areas that are not very sunny.

Other studies involving breast cancers have shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with faster progression of the disease.

Psoriasis under control with A and D

Vitamins A and D may play a useful role in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself with the appearance of peeling spots.

Various studies have shown that some vitamins, especially D derivatives (calcipotriol, tacalcitol, calcitriol), can reduce skin inflammation and keep the disease under control over time.

Makes autumn less sad

Several studies have shown how mood is influenced by the amount of light to which you are exposed: just think of the greater incidence of cases of depression as you move away from the equator.

An important role in this phenomenon could be played by vitamin D deficiency, which the body synthesizes precisely as a result of exposure to sunlight.

Improves brain functions

A study published in the FASEB Journal, edited by experts at the Children’s Hospital & Research Center in Oakland, USA, highlights the influence of vitamin D on brain function.

Among the evidence of the correlation between vitamin D and brain health is the widespread presence of vitamin receptors in many brain areas, as well as its ability to influence the action of certain proteins directly involved in learning and memory processes, motor control and in the sphere of social behavior.

Scholars recommend increasing the daily intake of this substance as most of the population has levels below the recommended amounts.

Unbalanced diets, skin pigmentation, age, geographical location, the use of sunscreen are the factors behind possible deficiencies that expose not only to a greater risk of osteoporosis, joint pain and bone fragility but, as noted by numerous studies, probably also to some forms of cancer and depressive diseases.