Vitamin D (calciferol) - how important it is?

Vitamin D (calciferol) - how important it is?
The effect on body
Immunity

Vitamin d effect on the body

Vitamin D and bone and muscle strength

Many studies have linked low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of fractures in the elderly, and suggest that supplementation with this vitamin Vitamins for everyone It may prevent the fractures when taken in sufficiently high dosage.

One study concluded that the use of vitamin D in the high-dose (800 IU daily) reduced hip fractures and vertebral bones by 20 percent, while the lower dose of vitamin D (400 IU or less) did not bring any benefit in prevention of fractures.

Vitamin D can also help increase muscle strength, which in turn helps to prevent falls - common problems that lead to disability and death of many elderly people. Again, vitamin D plays an important role here: the study found that eating 700 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day reduced the risk of falls by 19%, but the use of 200 to 600 IU per day did not play a positive role.

Recently, it has been found that a very high dose of vitamin D increased the risk of falling in elderly women. The dosage used in this study (500 000 IU per tablet, taken once a year) was much higher than the dose previously used daily. After five years of the application of the women who consumed vitamin D, increased the risk of falling by 15%, compared to women taking a placebo.

It is possible that increased the risk of a single high dose of vitamin D, as compared to multiple doses, uniformly distributed throughout the year. It should be noted that only another similar study found that vitamin D increases the risk of fractures, no other studies have found that vitamin D increases the risk of fractures and falls. Moreover, there is strong evidence that a more moderate doses of vitamin D, employed daily or weekly are safe and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

So, what is the significance of these studies for those who want to take vitamin D? The logical conclusion would be to continue to keep taking this vitamin in moderation, but avoid too high single doses. Scientists do not understand why a high single dose of the vitamin has a negative effect.

Vitamin D and Heart Disease

Heart - it is mainly the large muscles, and, like skeletal muscle, it has receptors for vitamin D. It is not surprising that the study found communication between vitamin D and heart. A ten-year study found that men who are deficient in vitamin D, twice as many were at risk of heart attack than those who get enough vitamin D. Other studies have found that low levels of vitamin D was associated with a higher risk of heart failure, sudden cardiac death , stroke, total cardiovascular disease, and death due to cardiovascular disease. Exactly how vitamin D may prevent heart disease? There is evidence that vitamin D plays a role in the control of blood pressure and prevent damage to arteries, which can be the answer to this question. However, further research is needed before we can be sure.

Vitamin D and cancer

About 30 years ago, scientists noticed an interesting connection between the death from cancer of the colon and geography: the people who live in higher latitudes, such as in the northern states of the United States, more likely to die of colon cancer than those who lived closer to the equator. Many hypotheses associated with vitamin D, compared to solar radiation and the incidence in different countries. This can be a good starting point for other research, but does not provide final confirmation of the information. The ultraviolet rays of the sun is weaker than in the high latitudes, and in turn, the level of vitamin D in the inhabitants of these latitudes are usually lower. This led to the hypothesis that low levels of vitamin D may somehow increase the risk of colon cancer.

Since ten studies suggested a link between low levels of vitamin D, and an increased risk of colon cancer and other cancers. Most evidence in favor of developing colorectal cancer and most studies (but not all) found that lower levels of vitamin D in the body, the higher the risk of developing these diseases. The level of vitamin D may also help predict the possibility of recovery from cancer, but further studies are needed. Yet this does not mean that vitamin D supplementation is required to reduce the risk of cancer.

Who carried out long-term research, especially on the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of cancer. However, before you get any results, it will take years. Now scientists have come to this conclusion: intake of vitamin D in high doses reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and potentially fight cancer. The recommended dose - 2000 IU per day.