1. It is estimated that one billion people worldwide have a vitamin D3 deficiency while this deficiency is mainly thought to be due to insufficient sun exposure, in some cases it is linked to a poor diet. There is a growing body of evidence relating to the importance of vitamin D3. As well as being a well-known risk factor for rickets, vitamin D3 deficiency also increases an individual’s susceptibility to autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as certain cancers, and even dementia.
2. Vitamin D3 is vital for gene expression, immune system function, and bone strength. Gene expression is the process by which the information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product. At a cellular level Vitamin D3 is at work to stabilize a healthy endocrine system to help promote a better immune response.
3. Without sufficient intake of vitamin D3, T cells (the germ killing cells of the immune system) will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body.  Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have found that vitamin D3 is crucial to activating our immune system’s defenses. The research team found that T cells search for vitamin D3 in order to activate themselves, and if they cannot find enough Vitamin D3 will not be completed.
4. Vitamin D3 is crucial for our bodies to properly absorb and metabolize calcium and phosphorous, both of which are vital for healthy and strong bones.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vitamin D is essential for the “formation, growth, and repair of bones and for normal calcium absorption and immune function.”
5. Vitamin D3 deficiency can be an indirect contributor to chronic low back pain.  One study elaborated on the fact that chronic low back pain sufferers, who for over 6 years had sought relief, were in fact Vitamin D deficient. Out of 360 chronic low back pain patients 83% were found to be lacking proper levels of Vitamin D3. Chronic low back pain is a current problem in our modern society effecting 80% of Americans.
6. Lack of Vitamin D3 may stress the nervous system which in turn over time may influence mood swings and depression.   Depression is a concern for many people. It has been proven in studies that the nerve receptors and hormones that absorb Vitamin D into the skin from sunlight have influence over brain activity. Balanced levels of vitamin D circulating in the blood stream stimulates the areas of the brain, which deal with circadian rhythm and emotional centers which control function of mood and emotion.
7. Vitamin D3 enhances mood in healthy people during the long Minnesota winter.  Mood changes synchronized to the seasons exist on a continuum between individuals, with anxiety and depression these symptoms increase during the winter months. An extreme form of seasonality is manifested as the clinical syndrome of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with carbohydrate craving, hypersomnia, lethargy, and changes in circadian rhythms.  It has been suggested that seasonality and the symptoms of SADs may be due to changing levels of vitamin D3, the hormone of sunlight, leading to changes in brain serotonin.
8. The best and most natural way to get Vitamin D3 into your body is from sunlight.  Our bodies are actually designed to get all the Vitamin D3 we need from exposure to the sun. When the UVB rays from the sun interact with the natural oils of our skin, the chemical reaction releases the active form of Vitamin D3.
9. Getting Vitamin D3 through supplementation.  It is recommended to have a Daily intake of 5000 (IU) for males and females 1 to age 70.  When using Vitamin D3 supplements, make sure you are supplementing with Vitamin D3. If you are using supplements, which most in Minnesotans need to do, it is important to know your Vitamin D3 levels as it is. It is possible to overdose on Vitamin D3 supplement. Another benefit to getting your Vitamin D from the sun is you cannot overdose. Once your body gets all the Vitamin D3 it needs from the sun, your body will stop producing it.
10. As chiropractors, we often treat patients with problems such as chronic lower back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and stenosis.  low levels of Vitamin D3 can play a role in making each one of these problems worse. As chiropractors, we will focus our efforts on finding and correcting the underlying source of your problem. While chiropractic adjustments can correct subluxations (misalignments), eliminate or mitigate pain, and restore normal nerve function, low levels of Vitamin D3 will continue to negatively affect your health.

At Acu-Chiropractic Wellness Center our doctors work with patients on helping them meet their nutritional goals and needs. With over 20 years of experience we have been able to help patients of all ages. Call us today to setup an appointment to see how we can help you at (651)454-1000 or visit our patient center