Benefits Of Vitamin D: You may already know vitamin D is important for bone health, but its benefits don’t stop there.
With decades of experience as a health, wellness, and fitness journalist, Leah Groth has one mission: To help you become the healthiest version of yourself.
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Vitamin D—nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin” due to its ability to be made in the presence of sunlight—is a major player in keeping the human body healthy. Its main job is promoting calcium absorption, making it necessary for bone growth and remodeling (when mature bone tissue is removed and new bone tissue is formed).
However, other benefits of vitamin D may include blood pressure regulation, immune system support, weight management, and more. Here are 8 vitamin D benefits to know—including ways to get more of the vitamin in your daily diet.
1. Strengthens Bones
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Vitamin D is known for its bone-building and strengthening powers. The calcium that benefits your bones wouldn’t be able to do its job without vitamin D. The two nutrients together can also help prevent osteoporosis. This condition occurs when a person has weak, brittle bones.
2. Supports Immune System
Benefits Of Vitamin D, One study found that other than influenza or other respiratory illnesses, high latitudes and the winter season are risk factors for low vitamin D. With that in mind, vitamin D can be beneficial for building immunity.
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Researchers analyzed 25 randomized control trials comparing vitamin D supplements to placebos. They found that vitamin D reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection with either daily or weekly vitamin D supplementation, particularly in individuals who were deficient in it.
3. Helps Strengthen Muscles
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Along with its bone-building abilities, vitamin D is also influential in strengthening muscles. The vitamin helps muscle fibers develop and grow, which can help with bone support to increase balance and reduce fall risk.
4. Promotes Oral Health
Benefits Of Vitamin D, There is not a lot of research on Vitamin D’s role in oral health. However, one review concluded that because vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium, it may lower the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.6
5. May Help Prevent Diabetes
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Studies aren’t conclusive, but vitamin D could be beneficial by offering type 1 and type 2 diabetes prevention. One study found that six months of vitamin D supplementation increased insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes or at high risk of the disease.
6. May Reduce Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Vitamin D may be helpful for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as people with IBS may have vitamin D deficiencies. Some researchers found in one review that, across six studies with data from 572 participants, there was a link between vitamin D supplementation and less severe IBS symptoms.
Benefits Of Vitamin D, They suggested the reduction in severity might be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D. However, the researchers noted that the results could not be generalized to all people with IBS. They also said that the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and this change in IBS symptoms is complex and not completely understood.
7. Can Be Helpful For Depression
Benefits Of Vitamin D, The sun can brighten up your mood, and so can vitamin D: Researchers found a link between depression and vitamin D deficiency. They acknowledged that more research is needed to define the exact workings of it—such as if low vitamin D levels are a cause or effect of depression.
Benefits Of Vitamin D, However, the authors also recommended vitamin D deficiency screenings for individuals with depression and vitamin D deficiency. They noted that these screenings are a cost-effective and simple way to aid in improving outcomes related to depression.
8. Can Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Risk
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Getting enough vitamin D could reduce the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disorder resulting from inflammation-induced nerve damage within the central nervous system (CNS).
Benefits Of Vitamin D, Lower vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. However, a higher vitamin D intake may result in lower disease activity indicated on an MRI and a lower relapse risk.
Also Read:
The 7 Common And Dangerous Symptoms Of Vitamin Deficiency
8 Foods High In Vitamin D That Is Helpful In Cold Season
The Necessary Vitamins For Weight Loss + Precautions And Tips
