Vitamin D is essential to human health. Its primary function is to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which is crucial for bone health.

However, studies have shown that vitamin D also plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental and emotional wellbeing. It affects our mood and supports a healthy digestive system. In this article, we will explore how vitamin D affects our mood and digestive system.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our bodies produce when our skin is exposed to sunlight. It can also be found in certain foods, such as oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods like milk and breakfast cereals.

When we consume vitamin D, our body processes it into an active form called calcitriol. Calcitriol is responsible for regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our bodies, which is critical for bone health.

Vitamin D and Mood

Studies have shown that vitamin D also plays an important role in maintaining our mental and emotional wellbeing. Vitamin D interacts with the receptors in the brain that are linked to mood regulation.

These receptors are located in the areas of the brain that are associated with the development of depression and anxiety.

A study conducted by the University of Cambridge found that people with depression who also had low levels of vitamin D experienced more severe symptoms of depression than those who had normal levels of vitamin D.

Another study by the University of Georgia found that vitamin D supplements helped to improve mood in women with moderate to severe depression.

Vitamin D and Digestive System

Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy digestive system. It helps to regulate the immune system, reducing inflammation in the gut and promoting the growth of good bacteria.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have low levels of vitamin D.

IBD is a condition that causes inflammation in the gut, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. By boosting vitamin D levels, people with IBD can reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating their symptoms.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

The most natural way to get enough vitamin D is to expose your skin to sunlight. However, many factors can affect how much vitamin D your skin produces, including the time of day, the season, and the amount of skin exposed.

In addition, people who live in areas with little sunlight or spend most of their time indoors may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone.

Foods that contain vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolks, and fortified foods like milk and breakfast cereals. However, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D from diet alone.

Vitamin D supplements are another way to boost your vitamin D levels. There are two types of vitamin D supplements: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 is the type of vitamin D that our bodies produce when our skin is exposed to sunlight, and it is the most effective form of vitamin D supplement.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is essential to overall health and wellbeing. It is important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D to support healthy bones, a healthy digestive system, and regulate our mood and emotional wellbeing.

If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best way to get enough vitamin D.