Vitamin D – why is it so important to take it and how?

Claire Andréewitch, founder of Ad CAELIA, talks to us today about vitamin D, and shares her recommendations for not underestimating the central importance of this vitamin-hormone essential to the balance of our body and our health.

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Along with omega-3, this is the second dietary supplement that I take almost continuously. (except in summer when I know I will be exposed to enough sun).

It is estimated that nearly half of the world's population is deficient in vitamin D and this has serious consequences for our overall balance!

Vitamin D is special because it is the only vitamin that is produced by the body. It is produced mainly in the skin when exposed to sunlight, then converted by the liver and kidneys into its active hormone called calciferol. Because yes, vitamin D is a hormone and not a nutrient.

Vitamin D is important for many reasons! For example, it helps the intestine absorb nutrients, calcium and phosphorus. This ensures strong bones and a healthy immune system , but it also ensures that your skin is well “fed”! In addition, it regulates blood pressure, reduces stress, can help regulate your body’s response to insulin which decreases hormonal acne, relieves inflammation, increases antioxidant production and strengthens your immune system

When your body can't produce enough to meet your needs, it's essential to get it from other sources, such as vitamin D-rich foods and supplements. Diet is not a sufficient source (it's not possible and not desirable to gorge yourself on oily fish, eggs, butter and cheese!)

What form should I take vitamin D in?

Either we take drops or capsules – I do not recommend taking the ampoules every few months, the body is not made to store so much vitamin D at once and then distribute it gradually. I know that doctors recommend the ampoules but it is purely for convenience and not because it is the optimal solution for our bodies. We optimize the use and preserve the liver better with a small regulated intake – a natural use as intended by nature…

The recommendation for an adult in France is 400-1000 IU/day under 50 years old and from 50 we increase to 800-2000 IU. But it seems to me that these recommendations are very modest… in the US for example the recommendation of some doctors is 5000 IU per day for an adult and 2000-4000 IU for a child. Personally I tend to trust more the American recommendations on this subject, there are many very serious studies that have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of higher doses. It is for example the first “vitamin” to take in case of infection, beginning of cold, flu etc. 

To go further, I love the book by the American doctor Michael F. Holick: The Vitamin D Solution: A 3-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problems.

In fact, vitamin D is also essential for healthy skin.

Love,
Clear