Vitamin D3 would have positive effects on the immune system, making it possible to strengthen the human body in the face of infections.
- There are 5 types of vitamin D, ranked from 1 to 5.
- Vitamin D helps to increase the concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
- An excess of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, which is an excess of calcium in the blood.
Vitamin D is essential for our body, but not all vitamin D is created equal. This is the conclusion of a study published in Frontiers in Immunology. Its authors, British researchers from the universities of Surrey and Brighton, were interested in two types of vitamin D: D2 and D3. They compared their effects on human health.
Where does vitamin D come from?
Vitamin D is essential for good bone health, but it is also involved in nerve transmission, hormonal regulation and immune cell activity. It is present in food: oily fish, dark chocolate, egg yolk, dairy products, etc. Exposure to the sun for 15 to 20 minutes, with sun protection, also offers an important contribution. The different types of vitamin D come from different sources: vitamin D3 is produced naturally by the skin through exposure to sunlight or artificial light, while vitamin D2 comes from certain plants and fungi.
Vitamin D3, an ally of the immune system
For this research, the scientists recruited 335 participants, divided into three groups: the first received a daily dose of 15 micrograms of vitamin D2, the second the same dose of vitamin D3 and the last a placebo. The study took place over a period of twelve weeks. Researchers have observed the effects of different types of vitamin D on genes. They found that they did not have the same consequences: vitamin D3 has a modifying effect on the immune system, which can fortify the body against viral and bacterial diseases.We have shown that vitamin D3 appears to stimulate the type I interferon signaling system in the body – a key part of the immune system that provides a first line of defense against bacteria and virusesexplains Colin Smith, lead author of the study. So, a healthy intake of vitamin D3 can help prevent viruses and bacteria from taking hold in the body.“
The unproven effects of vitamin D2
On the other hand, they believe that vitamin D2 has questionable effects on human health. “The little effect we saw when reviewing vitamin D2 means that a larger study is urgently needed to clarify these differences in impact. underlines the co-author of the study, Susan Lanham-New. However, these results show that vitamin D3 should be the preferred form, for fortified foods and dietary supplements..” Between the lack of brightness characteristic of winter and the Covid-19 pandemic, which has increased the time spent indoors, English scientists recommend consuming food supplements or foods rich in vitamin D3. In France , I’National Health Security Agency advises supplementation only for deficient populations. For others, she suggests exposing yourself to the sun, by playing sports outdoors for example, and consuming products rich in vitamin D.
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