Vitamin D

Question 1

What are the two forms of Vitamin D

Answer 1

D2

D3 (cholecalciferol)

Question 2

What are the cofactors for Vitamin D absorption and usage (5)?

Answer 2

A, K2, Mg, Boron and Zinc

Question 3

How is Vitamin D absorbed?

Answer 3

1. Sunlight - transported using cholesterol via blood to liver
2. Food - transported via digestive system to liver
   At liver, converted to storage vitamin form - calcidol
   At kidney, converted to active steroid form - calcitrol
   Transported via blood to cells (VDR receptors)

Question 4

How does Vitamin D regulate calcium?

Answer 4

Low Ca in blood - parathyroid starts secreting PTH and pulls Calcium from bones into blood. PTH tells kidneys to start making more active vitamin D. This helps gut absorb more Ca. When Ca levels correct, parathyroid stops making so much PTH, and stop pulling calcium from your bones.

High Ca in blood - parathyroid releases far less PTH
so that Ca is not pulled from the bones and the kidney does not make more active Vitamin D.

This interaction between calcium, parathyroid and vitamin D is happening constantly;

Question 5

Why does the body need Vitamin D?

[MURDERS LINC]

Answer 5

M - normal muscle function
U -
R -
D - aids assimilation Vitamin A
E - hormone regulator and production T3 and T4
R -
S - strong bones
L - helps protect against auto-immune illnesses and helps prevent colds (with A and C)
I -
N - used to make serotonin
C - Ca regulation, heart beat, blood clotting with K2

Question 6

What are some symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? [jambwi]

Answer 6

M - muscle weakness and cramps
U - 
R - 
D - loss of appetite, weight loss, burning sensation in mouth & throat
E - adrenal fatigue
R - 
S - rickets, osteoporosis, backache, joint pain
L - frequent infections & colds
I - 
N - insomnia
C - Adrenal fatigue

Question 7

Food sources

Answer 7

Food sources
Animal. oily fish, eggs
Plant. mushrooms

Question 8

Factors that increase requirements

[PEEDM]

Answer 8

Physical - shift work, thyroid issues, renal issues*, auto-
immune illnesses, flying, dark skin, GI illnesses causing
fat malabsorption, obesity, gastric bypass
Environmental -
Emotional - stress
Dietary - dairy intolerances, veganism
Medical - hormonal medication, steroids, cholesterol
lowering drugs

Question 9

Dosage

Answer 9

5000IU daily (Oct to April) with a MV (for cofactors)