Sheila Magazine

"The BRAIN HAS SPECIFIC VITAMIN D RECEPTORS & it needs a certain amount of Vitamin D to switch on these receptors & STIMULATE THE PRODUCTION OF FEEL GOOD HORMONES" "The key roles of vitamin D are to do with bone health and brittleness of ones bones. It also seems to affect metabolism and there is a lot of work being done in vitamin D deficiencies in conditions as diverse as breast cancer, colon cancer diabetes and Alzheimers. "Low vitamin D does not cause the problems on its own but it is a contributing factor," he says. MOOD Research has found a link between reduced Vitamin D levels and mood disorders including SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Vitamin D, produced via sun exposure or taken as a supplement, has been shown to improve mood and protect against depression. Pam says this is because there is a relationship between lowered mood and an increase in the parathyroid hormone levels within the individual. "The brain has specific vitamin D receptors and it needs a certain amount of Vitamin D to switch on these receptors and stimulate the production of feel good hormones," she says. Pam says Vitamin D also affects proteins in the brain which are important 76 SHEILA JULY 2012 for motor control, learning ability, memory, maternal and social behaviors. BONES Vitamin D is also essential for healthy bones, because it helps the body absorb calcium. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are among the most debilitating aging diseases and making sure that bones are healthy and strong at a young age helps to protect against inevitable long term deterioration. The sun radiates UVB photons which trigger photolysis into previtamin D in the human skin. Without sun exposure, the skin is unable ABSORPTION to make Vitamin D but when it is exposed to the sun, the skin is able to produce, a very large amount of vitamin D. The intensity of sunlight and latitude of the environment will indicate the quality of Vitamin D that can be formed in the skin. Studies have shown that these factors along with the type of clothing and sunscreen worn can block this synthesis. Pam says the good news is that sensible sun exposure can prevent Vitamin D deficiencies. The trick is to get the amount of exposure right, because if you are out for too long, you will increase your risk of skin cancer. Food sources such as oily fish, eggs, mushrooms and dairy products contain Vitamin D. But Dr Joe warns the body is quite slow to absorb Vitamin D through food. Pam says Vitamin D can be taken as a WHEN THE SKIES ARE GREY supplement and studies show that it seems to be just as effective as sun exposure. Teaming it up with other nutrients can also extend the benefits. Pam says Vitamin D, when taken as a component of fish oil, has been shown to really toughen the immune system, helping it fight off bacterial or viral infections. "And it has a positive effect on raising T lymphocytes lowered in those people with auto immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. This combination in particular, reduces symptoms of respiratory infections and protects mucous membranes from damage through asthma," she says.

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