Vitamin D

Table of Contents

Other names

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Calcitriol (active hormonal form)

Synopsis

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium and phosphorus balance, promoting bone health, and supporting immune function. There are two main forms of vitamin D: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3, the form synthesized by the skin when exposed to sunlight, is considered more effective in raising blood levels of vitamin D than D2. Vitamin D is unique among vitamins because it can be synthesized in the body through sunlight exposure, although it is also found in some foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light.

Vitamin D plays a primary role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines, ensuring proper bone mineralization and strength. It is essential for bone health, and deficiency in vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults and rickets in children, conditions characterized by bone pain, deformities, and weakness.

In addition to its role in bone health, vitamin D is important for the immune system, muscle function, and cellular growth. It has been linked to a reduced risk of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Vitamin D also helps regulate inflammation and plays a role in the nervous system, supporting mental health and potentially reducing the risk of depression.

Historical Use:
The recognition of vitamin D’s importance in human health began in the early 20th century when rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency, became prevalent in industrialized cities where people had limited sunlight exposure. This led to the discovery that vitamin D was essential for bone health and the prevention of rickets. The condition was first linked to a deficiency in vitamin D in the early 1900s, and by the 1920s, cod liver oil, a rich source of vitamin D, became widely recommended for treating rickets.

Vitamin D was first synthesized in the 1930s, and in 1936, it was recognized as a necessary nutrient for bone health. In the 1940s, the fortification of foods such as milk with vitamin D became a common practice in North America to prevent rickets, leading to a significant reduction in the incidence of the disease.

In the 1950s, the discovery of the connection between sunlight exposure and vitamin D synthesis led to a better understanding of how vitamin D is naturally produced in the body. This understanding was reinforced by research that demonstrated how UVB rays from sunlight trigger the production of vitamin D in the skin.

As scientific knowledge expanded, so did the recognition of vitamin D's broader role in immune health and disease prevention. In the 1990s and 2000s, research highlighted its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as autoimmune conditions, heart disease, and certain cancers. The increase in global awareness of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in populations with limited sunlight exposure, led to widespread recommendations for supplementation.

Today, vitamin D remains a critical nutrient for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Supplementation is common, particularly in areas with limited sunlight or for individuals at risk of deficiency, including the elderly, those with darker skin, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Vitamin D is routinely recommended for bone health, mental health, and as a preventive measure against various chronic diseases.

Uses: Health Conditions

Allergies (food) (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Amenorrhea (Scientific)
Anorexia (Scientific)
Apathy (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Neither)
Arrhythmia (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Attention Deficit Disorder (Neither)
Autism (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Backache (Scientific)
Bedwetting (Neither)
Bell's Palsy (Neither)
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Neither)
Bipolar Mood Disorder (Neither)
Birth Control (countering side effects) (Neither)
Birth Control (natural) (Neither)
Birth Defects (prevention) (Scientific)
Bladder (irritable) (Neither)
Bladder (ulcerated) (Neither)
Body Building (Scientific)
Broken Bones (Scientific)
Calcium Deficiency (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Celiac Disease (Scientific)
Chills (Neither)
Cholesterol (low) (Neither)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Scientific)
Colds (general) (Scientific)
Colds (prevention) (Scientific)
Colds (with fever) (Scientific)
Colic (children) (Neither)
Concentration (poor) (Scientific)
Concussions (Scientific)
Confusion (Scientific)
Congestion (Neither)
Congestion (bronchial) (Neither)
Congestion (lungs) (Neither)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Neither)
Congestion (sinus) (Neither)
Congestive Heart Failure (Scientific)
Conjunctivitis (Neither)
Contagious Diseases (Scientific)
Convalescence (Scientific)
Convulsions (Scientific)
Coordination (Neither)
Copper Toxicity (Neither)
Cough (damp) (Neither)
Cough (dry) (Neither)
Cough (general) (Neither)
Cough (spastic) (Neither)
Cramps (leg) (Neither)
Cramps (menstrual) (Scientific)
Cramps and Spasms (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Croup (Neither)
Cushing's Disease (Neither)
Cuts (Neither)
Cystic Breast Disease (Scientific)
Cystic Fibrosis (Scientific)
Cysts (Neither)
Cytomealovirus (Neither)
Dandruff (Scientific)
Deafness (Neither)
Debility (Scientific)
Defensiveness (Neither)
Dehydration (Neither)
Dementia (Scientific)
Denture Sores (Neither)
Depression (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Scientific)
Diaper Rash (Neither)
Diarrhea (Neither)
Digestion (poor) (Neither)
Diphtheria (Neither)
Dislocation (Neither)
Diverticulitis (Neither)
Dizziness (Neither)
Erectile Dysfunction (Scientific)
Estrogen (low) (Scientific)
Fibroids (uterine) (Scientific)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Scientific)
Fibrosis (Scientific)
Goiter (Neither)
Grave's Disease (Scientific)
Grief and Sadness (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Scientific)
Hair Care (general) (Scientific)
Hashimoto's Disease (Scientific)
Headache (cluster) (Scientific)
Headache (general) (Neither)
Headache (tension) (Neither)
Hearing Loss (Neither)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Neither)
Heart Valves (Neither)
Hot Flashes (Neither)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Hypochondria (Neither)
Hypoglycemia (Neither)
Hypotension (Neither)
Hypothyroid (Scientific)
Hysteria (Neither)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Scientific)
Infertility (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Influenza (Scientific)
Injuries (Scientific)
Insomnia (Neither)
Irritability (Neither)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Itching (Scientific)
Itching Ears (Neither)
Jaundice (infants) (Neither)
Jet Lag (Neither)
Knees (weak) (Scientific)
Labor and Delivery (Neither)
Lactose Intolerance (Neither)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Scientific)
Leprosy (Scientific)
Lesions (Scientific)
Leukemia (Scientific)
Ligaments (torn or injured) (Neither)
Lou Gehrig's Disease (Scientific)
Lungs (fluid in) (Neither)
Lupus (Scientific)
Lyme Disease (Neither)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Neither)
Lymphoma (Scientific)
Malaria (Neither)
Mania (Neither)
Mastitis (Neither)
Melanoma (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Meningitis (Neither)
Menopause (Scientific)
Menstrual Irregularity (Scientific)
Menstruation (scant) (Neither)
Mental Illness (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Migraine (Scientific)
Miscarriage (prevention) (Scientific)
Mitral Valve (Neither)
Mononucleosis (Neither)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
Multiple Sclerosis (Scientific)
Mumps (Neither)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Scientific)
Muscular Dystrophy (Scientific)
Myasthenia Gravis (Scientific)
Narcolepsy (Neither)
Nephritis (Scientific)
Nerve Damage (Scientific)
Nervous Exhaustion (Scientific)
Nervousness (Neither)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Neither)
Neurosis (Neither)
Night Sweating (Neither)
Nightmares (Neither)
Numbness (Scientific)
Nursing (Scientific)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Scientific)
Oral Surgery (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Ovarian Pain (Neither)
Overalkalinity (Neither)
Pain (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Pancreatitis (Scientific)
Pap Smear (abnormal) (Neither)
Paralysis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Scientific)
PMS (general) (Scientific)
PMS Type D (Scientific)
PMS Type H (Scientific)
PMS Type P (Scientific)
PMS Type S (Scientific)
Pneumonia (Scientific)
Polyps (Scientific)
Post Partum Depression (Scientific)
Post Partum Weakness (Scientific)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Scientific)
Progesterone (low) (Scientific)
Prolapsed Colon (Neither)
Prolapsed Uterus (Neither)
Prostatitis (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Puberty (hormone balancer) (Neither)
Raynaud's Disease (Neither)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Schizophrenia (Scientific)
Sciatica (Scientific)
Scoliosis (Neither)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Scientific)
Senility (Scientific)
Sleep Apnea (Neither)
Abuse and Trauma (Neither)
Acne (Scientific)
Addison's Disease (Neither)
Allergies (respiratory) (Scientific)
Aneurysm (Neither)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Bloodshot Eyes (Neither)
Bulimia (Neither)
Carbuncles (Neither)
Anemia (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Neither)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Neither)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Tuberculosis (Scientific)

Body Systems

Circulatory System (Traditional)
Hypothalamus (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Pancreatic Tail (Traditional)
Parathyroid Glands (Traditional)
Parotids (Salivary Glands) (Traditional)
Peyer’s patches (Traditional)
Pineal Gland (Traditional)
Pituitary (Traditional)
Pituitary (anterior) (Traditional)
Pituitary (posterior) (Traditional)
Prostate (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Senses (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Smell (Traditional)
Solar Plexus (Traditional)
Specific Hormones (Traditional)
Spinal Disks (Traditional)
Structural System (Traditional)
Teeth (Traditional)
Testes (Traditional)
Testosterone (Traditional)
Thymus (Traditional)
Thyroid Gland (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
Vagina (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Arteries (Traditional)
Ears (Traditional)
Eustachian Tubes (Traditional)
Hair (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Tonsils (Traditional)