How to fill up on vitamin D?
Vitamin D has long been known to be important for bone health. Without it, we could eat tons of calcium, our body would not retain it. An analysis published in 2009 confirmed that the correct intake reduced the risk of fracture due toosteoporosis after 65 years. Besides this role in mineralization, it seems to protect us in many areas.
The amount of UV radiation necessary for our biological balance is much less than that to which we are exposed. Luckily, vitamin D is stored for several months in the liver and in fat. To sustainably recharge our reserves, all you need to do is expose yourself to the sun for ten or fifteen minutes every day, without protection or through a window, so that UVB rays reach our skin.
No immunity without vitamin D
Vitamin D contributes to muscle strength and reduces period pain. Above all, it would play a fundamental role in our immune system. Numerous studies have shown that it helps resist respiratory infections. “An experience born in Canada, for example, proved that when schoolchildren are supplemented, they suffer less often from flu and asthma”, notes Dr. Brigitte Houssin, author of “Sun, lies and propaganda”. According to recent work, it could help resist the HIV and decrease the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
Other studies point to a relationship with autoimmune diseases. People with inflammatory rheumatism or Crohn’s disease are often deficient in vitamin D. As are those who suffer from lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and even allergy. “A study is underway for multiple sclerosis, in which the Parisian hospital of La Pitié-Salpêtrière is participating,” says Dr Houssin. The intermediate results are promising (less flare-ups and less severe). “
A deficiency in this vitamin could also be involved in the occurrence of diabetes. Finally, knowing that diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, the study from Framingham, in the United States, confirmed that severe vitamin D deficiency could almost double the risk of suffering from such a condition. According to Dr Jean-Michel Lecerf, specialist in endocrinology and metabolic diseases at the Institut Pasteur in Lille, “this protective effect could come from its action against inflammation, which represents an important component of cardiac and cerebral accidents. “
Vitamin D would even help prevent certain cancers
Vitamin D has been shown in the laboratory to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. And many epidemiological studies associate it with a reduced risk of cancer. This link is almost demonstrated with regard to colorectal cancer. On the other hand, a report from the National Cancer Institute (November 2011) is more reserved for other tumors. Especially the breast and prostate, for which its benefits do not yet seem well established. That’s not all. According to researchers in California, vitamin D may be beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease. By helping the body to control inflammation and get rid of the beta-amyloid protein which attacks nerve cells in patients.
Although many of these leads need to be confirmed, one in seven women and one in eight men are vitamin D deficient (Suvimax study). To stock up on it, let’s not sulk the sun.
