Vitamin D3, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is essential for your immune system and overall well being. This key vitamin is produced by your body as a natural reaction to sunlight but can also be taken in the form of a supplement. Today, due to many working indoors, the increase of wearing sunscreen and fear of skin cancer there are higher rates of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D3 is essential for many of our bodily functions, but some of the main benefits are fighting disease, boosting mental health, and improvements to your skin.
Boosts our immune system
Vitamin D is believed to help fight off diseases like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help in protecting against more common viruses like the flu. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties that are crucial in activating the immune system defenses. Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to higher rates of infection, disease and immune related disorders.
Aids in mental health
Studies have shown that vitamin D is helpful in improving mood and fighting off depression. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to both seasonal affective disorder and depression. It can also cause more minor mental health problems like mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Another issue with vitamin D deficiency is that once you have developed something like depression you are less likely to go outside, further reducing your levels of vitamin D.
Improves skin
In small scale studies, Vitamin D has been shown to help people with eczema and acne prone skin. Vitamin D3 contains antimicrobial and anti inflammatory characteristics. There have been studies that indicate a link between sufficient vitamin D and healthier, clearer skin. Because too much skin exposure can irritate skin, doctors recommend taking vitamins supplemented with vitamin D to ensure you are getting enough of this crucial nutrient.
Sources:
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1na2H7YtMviGqulV4JOVgJg-lWHrjNwqe5J_Da4j_ZM0/edit
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-coronavirus#does-it-protect-against-covid-19
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-about-vitamin-d-and-mental-health
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/news/20141017/vitamin-d-might-help-kids-with-eczema