Vitamin D3 has been called the “Sunshine Vitamin” with good reason. We looked at how it changes cholesterol into a form of this vitamin that is then used in many ways in the body. Today, we’ll look at some other benefits.

Aging: sciencealert.com featured a study of people in the United States and the United Kingdom who were taking Vitamin D. It suggested that this vitamin had the most proven benefits over other vitamins. In fact, the UK government believed, based on the evidence, that every adult should take this as a supplement for at least half of the year.

Of one concern is the fact that some people who take mega-doses may increase their risk of falling. There is nothing in the literature to indicate why this is a problem.

On the pro side, pubmed.ncbi.nim.nih.gov published an article indicating that a good level of Vitamin D in the blood increases the longevity of the body’s white blood cells. They are your body's germ fighters. As people age (or mature), the little telomeres at the end of cells grow shorter. This is an aging indicator and also shows the level of inflammation in the body. Good levels of vitamin D3 lessen inflammation and also enhance the lifespan of the telomeres.

Muscle pain: Drs. at Yale Medicine indicated a host of symptoms relating to muscles can indicate a Vitamin D3 shortage. (Most just say vitamin D, but because D3 is the one immediately recognized by the body, that’s the one I use.) Some of those indicators include an increase in sensitivity to pain in both muscles and bone. A sensation of tingling or “pins-and-needles” in the hands or feet. (This can also be caused by a shortage of certain B vitamins.)

Weakness in the upper arms or thighs is another sign along with waddling when walking resulting from that weakness. Muscle twitches or tremors can also be a sign of D3 deficiency. (This can also be caused by mineral deficiencies, such as magnesium and potassium.)

Depression: webmd.com list depression related symptoms that can have their roots in D3 deficiency. They include moodiness, feelings of hopelessness, deep-rooted sadness, fatigue, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, anxiety, withdrawal and memory challenges. How this lack relates to these symptoms doesn’t seem to be well understood.

It may be related to a lack of time in the sun since UV rays have so many benefits to the overall state of health. Fortified foods focus on D2 which is not immediately recognized by the body, so that is not necessarily a help. If you are taking supplements, look for D3.

Heart: Although it isn’t clear how Vitamin D3 helps the heart, there are some suggested possibilities. It may help with blood sugar stabilization, and regulate blood pressure. Both of those have an indirect effect on healthy heart function.

Because it lowers inflammation, that action may benefit heart health. The coronary arteries are the ones surrounding the heart, nourishing it and removing toxins. If there is inflammation affecting the interior of these important vessels, it can translate to pain and possible clogging of this vital artery and its tributaries.

Asthma: ncbi.nim.nih.gov [Editor's Note: This website did not seem to exist?] talks about studies that show a correlation between active respiratory symptoms and low levels of vitamin D3. The studies featured both children and adults. Other respiratory challenges were also exacerbated when blood levels of D3 were low. Study participants didn’t seem to understand the correlation, but perhaps the anti-inflammatory action was the helpful factor,

Upper Respiratory Infections: The frequency and intensity of these symptoms were also related to the levels of Vitamin D3 in the blood. The studies included therapy for patients with influenza, and tuberculosis as well as viral upper respiratory tract illnesses.

Autoimmune disorders: news.harvard.edu wrote in the Harvard Gazette that Vitamin D3 was helpful in relieving rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, irritable bowel disease, and autoimmune thyroid disorder. The studies conducted at Brigham’s Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, concluded that supplements were helpful in reducing pain, swelling and other consequences of their disorder.

Karen Costenbader, senior author of the study, recommends 2,000 IU a day coupled with 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce symptoms. (National Institutes of Health granted funds for this study.)

Most doctors are much more conservative in dosing their patients. However, their concern may be based on the fact that D3 is an oil-based vitamin and could become a problem for the liver. However, the studies did not reflect this as a point of concern,

Before supplementation, it’s wise to get a blood test to determine how much vitamin D3 is circulating in the body. Too much can cause calcium to be deposited in places where it’s not helpful, such as the interior of arteries.

“That Vitamin Movie” has many impressive health sound bites. It’s available free online. Check it out.

Stay healthy.

Nancy Pidutti, RN, PhD (NHH), author, Chaplain.