Can Vitamin D Keep the Doctor Away?
Vitamin D is well-known for its role in the regulation of calcium balance and bone health. Within recent decades, an enormous amount of research has focused on additional benefits. Observational studies report that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of infections including:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis C
- Respiratory tract infections
The vast majority of human cells have vitamin D receptors. It is particularly essential for an optimal immune system function. Vitamin D stimulates cells that fight against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections while creating an inhospitable environment for microbial growth.
Other Roles of Vitamin D
Not only does vitamin D support a healthy immune system, but it also helps control an overactive immune response by suppressing cells that cause excessive inflammation. If you suffer from multiple infections or inflammatory symptoms, checking your vitamin D level might be just what the doctor ordered.
Women’s International Pharmacy offers a wide array of over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. To learn more about what OTCs we have available, call 800.279.5708.
Vitamin D as a Hormone
Vitamin D is not really a vitamin at all, but a hormone. Vitamins are substances that are essential to the function of the human body but are not produced by the body. Hormones, on the other hand, are produced by the body and function as chemical messengers. Further research revealed the chemical structure of vitamin D is similar to that of cholesterol, sex hormones, and adrenal hormones. And, like other hormones, it is actually produced in the human body.
Written by Kathy Lynch, PharmD – Women’s International Pharmacy
Edited by Michelle Violi, PharmD – Women’s International Pharmacy
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