VITAMIN D: Sunshine In A Bottle

Here’s what the research shows:

To Summarize: Clinical research has found associations between Vitamin D supplementation
and increased testosterone, decreased inflammation, improved immunity, mental health and
overall wellbeing.

Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to sunlight, and is vital for overall health and
wellbeing. Studies have illustrated that Vitamin D…

• Boosts Bone Health
• Supports Immune System
• Improves Muscle Function
• May Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases
• Enhances Mood and Mental Health
• Supports Pregnancy Health
• Regulates Insulin Levels
• Influences Gene Expression

However, a large proportion of the population in the UK, USA and other countries in the Global
North suffer from Vitamin D deficiency due to a lack of exposure to sunlight. This has serious
implications:

• Bone Health Issues
• Increased Risk of Fractures
• Muscle Weakness
• Immune System Dysfunction
• Mood Changes and Mental Health
• Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
• Impaired Wound Healing
• Chronic Fatigue and Tiredness
• Complications During Pregnancy
• Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

Therefore, it may be worthwhile to consider incorporating a Vitamin D supplement into your daily
routine – particularly during the winter months.

This article highlights five scientific studies whose results support these claims.

STUDY 1: Depression.

• Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
• Objective: To assess the effect of vitamin D on depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetic
  patients without using antidepressants.
• Methods: Depression measured by a 21-item self-report questionnaire. Participants: 66
  patients with type 2 diabetes, mild to moderate depression, average age 50-51 years.
• Intervention: 100 μg/day (4000 IU/day) of vitamin D or placebo.
• Duration: 12 weeks.

Results:

• Vitamin D group saw a 27.6% reduction in depression scores; placebo group saw a
  10.8% reduction.
• Serum vitamin D levels increased significantly in the vitamin D group.
• Vitamin D group had a larger decrease in HbA1c and serum insulin levels.
• Triglyceride levels significantly lower in the vitamin D group.

Vitamin D supplementation appears to reduce depressive symptoms and improve certain
metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients.

STUDY 2: Respiratory Infection.

• Type: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
• Purpose: To assess the effect of oral vitamin D on influenza and upper respiratory
  infection (URI) rates in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.
• Participants: 237 patients (both male and female, average age 45)
• Duration: 6 months during winter and early spring.
• Methodology: Influenza diagnosis via a virus test kit and data collection through
  self-reported questionnaires on influenza and URI symptoms and history.
• Intervention: Daily administration of 500 IU vitamin D (2 x 250 IU capsules) or a
  placebo.

Results:

• There was an 86% lower risk of upper respiratory infection after 6 months of Vitamin D
  supplementation.

Vitamin D supplementation appears to be effective in reducing upper respiratory infection.

STUDY 3: Dementia.

• Type: Cohort study to observe long-term effects of vitamin D supplementation.
• Objective: To determine the impact of vitamin D on dementia incidence.
• Participants: 12,388 individuals, average age of 71.
• Duration: 10 years.

Results:

• Vitamin D supplementation was linked to a 40% reduced relative risk of developing
  dementia.
• Participants using vitamin D showed fewer instances of mild cognitive impairment and
  depression.

The study indicates a significant protective effect of vitamin D against the development of
dementia. Meanwhile, the correlation with less cognitive impairment and depression may imply
broader neurological benefits of vitamin D.

STUDY 4: Stress & Anxiety.

• Study Type: Randomised controlled clinical trial.
• Purpose: Investigating the impact of vitamin D supplementation on anxiety, depression,
  and inflammation in diabetic women with anxiety.
• Evaluation Method: Utilized a self-report questionnaire to measure depression, anxiety,
  and stress severity.
• Dose: 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 every two weeks versus a placebo.
• Participants: 51 women with type 2 diabetes, average age of 47.
• Duration: 16 weeks.

Results:

• Depression scores decreased significantly by 2 points in the vitamin D group, indicating
  a shift from moderate to mild depression.
• Notable reductions in anxiety and stress scores in the vitamin D group.
• No significant changes in the placebo group across all measured variables.

The study provides evidence that high-dose vitamin D supplementation may have beneficial
effects on mood disorders such as depression and anxiety in diabetic women.

STUDY 5: Testosterone.

• Study Type: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
• Purpose: To assess the impact of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in
  men.
• Dose: 83 μg/day (3,332 IU/day) of vitamin D or a placebo.
• Participants: 54 nondiabetic overweight men with vitamin D deficiency and lower
  testosterone levels, average age of 49.
• Duration: 12 months.

Results:

• Significant increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations after vitamin D
  supplementation.
• Notable increases in total, bioactive, and free testosterone levels in the vitamin D group.

The study suggests that long-term vitamin D supplementation may increase testosterone levels
in vitamin D-deficient, overweight men. The significant rise in both the marker of vitamin D
status and testosterone levels indicates a link between vitamin D and testosterone production or
regulation.

Is Vitamin D Suitable For You?

If you are looking to…

1. Strengthen your immune system
2. Improve heart health
3. Improve bone health
4. Reduce inflammation

It might be worth considering implementing a Vitamin D supplement into your daily routine.