Here comes the sun!
As we approach the sunny summertime, it comes as no surprise that we have Vitamin D on the brain. And for good reason! This vitamin has been linked to many many health conditions and diseases and the list is only growing… Let’s explore!
The Importance of Vitamin D
This essential vitamin is best-sourced directly from the sun, which means many of us dismiss our need for vitamin D. Why worry about something that is remedied by good old fashioned time outside, right? Not so fast. Many of us have a hard time even breaking away from our desks for lunch. And with all we know about skincare, going outside daily without sunscreen for extended periods of time, is a known big no no. These, amongst many other factors, are causing a pandemic in vitamin D deficiencies that cannot be undermined.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, over 41% of American adults are deficient in Vitamin D. That number practically doubles when measured among the Black and Hispanic populations. We ALL need vitamin D for many reasons; the most prevalent being to facilitate a normal immune system and to help our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus (build and maintain healthy bones). With more research being cast into Vitamin D, it is becoming apparent that it can be linked to preventing many chronic diseases and mental illnesses such as, depression and anxiety.
Low Vitamin D = Low Calcium = ?
If you are lacking in vitamin D then it is only natural that your body is then unable to absorb adequate amounts of calcium. As we discussed in our post, Calcium and Anxiety: Could a Deficiency Be Behind Your Symptoms?, “When a calcium deficiency compromises the nervous system, the chances of irregular moods and anxiety attacks increase significantly.” These two vitamins work harmoniously, not just for bone health, but also to maintain the many calcium-driven neurological and cellular functions.
Low vitamin D levels equal lowered calcium absorption, possibly creating a deficiency that can lead to lethargy, anxiety, jitters, depression, and irritability. Many reasons we include both ingredients in Tranquilene!
Do be aware: not all Vitamin D is created equal! In fact, there are several types. The best and most natural form is D3, which has been proven to greatly raise levels of vitamin D in the blood.Tranquilene has 600 IUs per serving, which is also the recommended daily dose for adults.
Vitamin D Helps Serotonin
One lesser-known role of Vitamin D is its effect on Serotonin production. Serotonin, as you may know, is a brain chemical that helps control mood and anxiety (amongst other things). When your Serotonin system is running on low, you are prone to be more irritable, anxious, sad or depressed.
Recent research has found that when the body naturally converts L-Tryptophan into Serotonin, Vitamin D is required for the reaction to happen correctly. Without enough Vitamin D, your body might produce serotonin in the gut, where it can’t do any good. This is why we updated Tranquilene to include Vitamin D last year.
The sad truth is, without a supplement it is very unlikely that you’ll get enough Vitamin D, so daily supplementation is very important. With new studies constantly being conducted, Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to many, often avoidable, conditions and diseases. In fact just this week a study from Stanford University has found a link between vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer. With the list growing, it’s a no brainer that we should all do our bodies and health a service: Make sure we are getting adequate Vitamin D!
