The role of vitamin D | Vitamin or hormone | Where is it stored | Interesting Facts | Conclusion
Summer is in full swing! It’s time to get the necessary boost of vivacity and energy, cheer up! And, of course, stock up on sunshine and vitamin D!
Scientists have found that vitamin D helps with diabetes. A lack of this vitamin increases the risk of complications. In this article, we will look at what kind of vitamin D is for diabetes and whether there is a need to take it additionally.
What role does it play?
Vitamin D plays an important role in the human body. But its main purpose is to regulate the metabolic processes of phosphorus and calcium.
Thanks to this, our body fully assimilates these substances, which are subsequently used for the construction of bone tissue.
In addition, vitamin D contributes to the normalization of the functions of the nervous system, protein metabolism and raises immunity.
This vitamin, like group B, consists of — D2, D3, D5, D6. But the most significant for the body are D2 and D3. These elements work together: D2 promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, D3 — concentrates minerals in bone tissue.
Vitamin or hormone?
Interestingly, many researchers attribute D not to vitamins, but to hormones. This is due to the fact that the body is able to produce it on its own, and receptors for this substance are found in the pancreas, heart muscle, brain and cells of the immune system.
There have been studies that prove that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
These are rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis.
A sufficient intake of this element in infancy and childhood saves the body from type 1 diabetes with a genetic disposition to it. In addition, the D element activates the insulin transcription mechanism and prevents the development of insulin resistance, which is a factor in type 2 diabetes.
Where is it stored?
Despite the fact that our body is independently capable of producing this prohormone under the influence of direct sunlight, the need for it may increase in some cases.
Vitamin D deficiency is possible in people living in northern latitudes. It can also occur in residents of a sunny climate. Because they use sunscreen to avoid excessive sun exposure. They also spend more time indoors. Deficiency of prohormone D can also be found in older people.
For most of us, walking on a sunny day is the safest and easiest way to get this vitamin. Exposure to sunlight twice a week can produce the right amount.
Walking on a sunny day is the safest and easiest way to get vitamin D.
The exposure time depends on skin color, age, as well as time of day and weather conditions.
The most favorable time for walking is considered to be the morning and evening hours, when the activity of the sun is not too high.
You can also saturate the body with vitamin D with food. Tuna, sardines, herring, mackerel, and all fatty fish contain it in its natural form. Fish oil is the main source of the vitamin. Calciferol can be obtained from eggs, milk, mushrooms, but in smaller quantities.
Interesting Facts
An interesting fact is that prohormone reserves are quickly restored. Just imagine that 6 days of 20-30 minutes of sun exposure is enough to make up for 49 days without it.
Fat reserves serve as the storehouse of the vitamin, releasing it in the absence of ultraviolet radiation.
It is also interesting that the sun’s rays, which synthesize vitamin D, cannot penetrate the skin through glass. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to sunbathe at home through a window or while sitting in a car.
Sunscreen blocks up to 95% of the production of this prohormone. Therefore, it is necessary to be in the fresh air for a short time without applying cream. It is very beneficial for your overall health.
But keep in mind that prolonged sun exposure can increase your risk of skin damage!
Summing up
By far the safest and best way for us to saturate the body with solar vitamin is regular walks in the fresh air. The use of vitamins in tablets is not always useful, and only a doctor can determine the need for this by prescribing the necessary drugs.
Improper intake of vitamins can harm our body.