All the powers of vitamin D: from autoimmune to malignant diseases

Author: Sandra Krstev Barać, Master of Nutrition

Often called the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin whose list of roles in the body is getting longer every day. The most well-known tasks of maintaining healthy bones and teeth in cooperation with calcium and supporting the immune system are only a small part of the wide range of actions of the powerful vitamin D. Receptors for this vitamin are present in almost all tissues in the body, which is why vitamin D (which we can say is more of a hormone than a nutrient) has far-reaching biological effects.

The interesting thing about vitamin D is that it is scarcely present in food; it is only found in fatty fish, egg yolks, some mushrooms and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin from cholesterol and with the help of sunlight, but this synthesis is limited due to generally insufficient sun exposure, the use of sunscreen, pollution, and the aging process.

It is estimated that as much as half of the population in our area has a vitamin D deficiency, and the situation is similar throughout Europe. This is why vitamin D deficiency is one of the most significant public health problems today, and the consequences for health are numerous.

In addition to the increased risk of osteoporosis, fractures, muscle weakness and pain, and upper respiratory tract infections, we now know that vitamin D deficiency puts us at risk for numerous chronic diseases of today, of which autoimmune diseases, colon and breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases are only part of the story. Therefore, we can safely say that by maintaining an adequate vitamin D status, we are doing a lot for our health.

Autoimmune diseases and vitamin D deficiency go hand in hand

Autoimmune diseases have been on the rise in recent decades, and it seems that, in addition to the genetic component, vitamin D deficiency also contributes significantly to the autoimmunity equation. Numerous studies have linked poor vitamin D status to the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's disease, and especially multiple sclerosis. Therefore, it is not surprising that achieving adequate levels of vitamin D is cited as one of the wheels of preventing the development of autoimmune diseases.

The question that logically arises is whether we can achieve a positive effect by supplementing vitamin D through preparations once the disease has already occurred? Although opinions on this topic are divided, more and more studies support the opportuneness of integrating vitamin D into the treatment protocol for autoimmune diseases, especially in patients taking corticosteroids. However, the optimal doses and serum levels of vitamin D in this case are still not fully defined, which is why the best way to approach each case is to consult an expert individually.

Vitamin D may reduce the risk of colon cancer

Among the many "powers" of vitamin D, its role in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases is particularly noteworthy. Numerous studies have revealed a link between higher blood concentrations of vitamin D and a reduced risk of some types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer and breast cancer. The anticarcinogenic effect of vitamin D is attributed to its ability to inhibit the proliferation (multiplication) of tumor cells and stimulate cell differentiation, but it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Vitamin D status is generally an important issue in oncology patients. In addition to being at increased risk of developing a deficiency of this vitamin, it has been shown that patients with higher levels of circulating vitamin D in the blood (> 75 nnmol/L) have a significantly lower risk of mortality, again in the case of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. These optimistic results support the concept of targeting vitamin D interventions.

Therefore, it is believed that, in addition to exposure to sunlight, taking vitamin D in the form of dietary supplements is a strategy that can benefit patients. However, caution should be exercised here and not resort to self-medication, since excessive intake of vitamin D can lead to elevated plasma calcium levels and result in toxicity. In order to derive maximum benefits, it is advisable to determine the serum vitamin D level and individually, with the help of a professional, adjust the dose of the preparation.

Vitamin D against depression

Have you ever noticed how good you feel simply by "lazing" in the sun? Or how in the coldest months when you are not exposed to the sun, you can get the "winter blues"? It seems that the reason for your good mood in summer and your worse mood in winter lies, at least in part, in your vitamin D level. Vitamin D deficiency, in fact, makes you more susceptible to depressive episodes.

It is also interesting to observe the effect of vitamin D supplementation as a supportive therapy for depression. Although the results of studies on this topic are conflicting, there are indications that establishing a desirable level of vitamin D in people with depressive disorders who initially have a deficiency may be an effective supportive therapeutic approach in the treatment of depression.

And finally: practical guidelines for improving vitamin D levels

We have come a long way from the thesis that vitamin D is only important for strong bones; today we know that this versatile vitamin plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, from autoimmune and malignant diseases to cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and even atopic dermatitis, celiac disease, gastrointestinal diseases, etc. It seems that every day we discover new areas of application for vitamin D.

In order to use the full potential of vitamin D, it is important to:

1. Determine your own serum vitamin D level: the desirable concentration of vitamin D in the blood is between 75 and 125 nmol/L.

2. Use the power of the sun to synthesize vitamin D and expose your face and hands to sunlight for 15-20 minutes daily, without sun protection using various means

3. Increase your intake of fatty fish and other dietary sources of vitamin D

4. Take supplements if necessary, but don't do it blindly. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means that intoxication is possible with excessive supplementation, especially if your intake is not balanced with other micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin K, but also vitamins A, E and magnesium.

5. If you are diagnosed with suboptimal vitamin D levels, the wisest course of action is to consult a specialist who will determine the optimal dose and duration of vitamin D therapy.

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