Definitively, vitamin D
Added 27.10.2009
If there was one vitamin we couldn't live without, it would have to be vitamin D. Scientists have been suggesting its importance for years and finally now a flood of research and studies are proving them right. That's because vitamin D is a very special nutrient.
Vitamin D is known as a fat-soluble vitamin, but in reality it is a hormone that sends signals to cells through a receptor called vitamin D receptor (VDR). Vitamin D is inactive, and in order to carry out its functions it must first be converted into a biologically active form in our body. This occurs twice: in our liver it is first converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and then in our kidneys into 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. That's a fair bit of biochemistry that may hold little appeal to you, but these biologically active forms are what make vitamin D so special. Now, through the VDR they can regulate hundreds of biochemical processes including regulating over 50 genes.
Vitamin D is vital for overall health
If you think vitamin D is only useful for strong bones and preventing rickets and osteoporosis, you are not doing it any justice at all. Through the VDR, the biologically active form of vitamin D:- Regulates insulin secretion and wards off type II diabetes.
- Regulates blood pressure.
- Increases bone and muscle strength.
- Protects against cancer.
- Protects against autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Protects against viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
- Protects against cardiovascular disease.
