It’s about time we found out how to maintain optimum health. In fact, it has always struck me as somewhat unfair that many do not know about the many benefits of vitamin D3 for the body’s overall well-being. So you can imagine my initial happy reaction when I learned how good it is for men, too.
This fat-soluble vitamin is found in a certain food sources that we consume. Thus, it is very important to take adequate amounts of vitamin D on a daily basis. But let’s not also forget that consuming too much of this vitamin may cause toxicity, leading to the development of many unpleasant symptoms.
Also worthy of note is that this vitamin, in its natural state, after being consumed from vitamin D3 foods cannot be used by the body immediately. It needs to be converted by the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also known as calcidiol. The kidney then converts it to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D which is also referred to as calcitriol. Once vitamin D has been finally converted to calcitriol, the body can begin to use it to its advantage.
What are the Benefits of Vitamin D3?
Let’s take a look at the many benefits of vitamin D3, and talk about how each of these benefits can improve our health – both psychologically and physiologically.
· Vitamin D Minimizes Autoimmune Activity
The subject of vitamin D’s activity on the body’s immunity is a very important one. So, let’s also talk about how this vitamin alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. As a matter of fact, vitamin D deficiency is associated with the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
Also, low levels of this vitamin have been shown to increase the activity of autoimmune disease in patients already diagnosed with the disease.
· It Betters Mood
Depressive people are not the only ones to benefit from vitamin D supplements. This vitamin does not only improve mood, it helps in regulating the production of neurotransmitters. Notably, low vitamin D can result in low calcium levels which can adversely affect mood and even cause symptoms of anxiety.
· Vitamin D3 Improves Calcium Absorption
This is one of the most commonly known benefits of vitamin D3. This is thin fact, vitamin D is vital for the proper absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium is a nutrient that is needed for proper bone development. It also keeps the bones healthy and strong at all times.
· It Encourages Stronger Bones
Okay, we’ve established the fact that vitamin D3 helps in improving the body’s ability to absorb calcium. However, we should also mention that vitamin D3 helps in maintaining stronger bones. Calcium is not the only nutrient responsible for promoting stronger bones – if the body lacks an adequate supply of vitamin D, bones can brittle and fracture easily.
· It Helps to Build a Stronger Immune System
The immune system plays an essential role in fighting off viruses, infections, and disease-causing bacteria. When the body’s immunity is compromised, a person is more likely to fall sick. A stronger immune system, however, helps to curb the frequency of illnesses.
In fact, according to a review paper published by the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, the cells of the immune system are made up vitamin D receptors. These cells containing these receptors are antigen presenting cells, T cells and B cells. What this means is that vitamin D can support the immune system and may also help in minimizing the risk of contracting infections.
· It Reduces the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Some studies have indicated that a deficiency in vitamin D can result in a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is primarily due to the fact that when vitamin D level is low; insulin secretion reduces, causing a negative impact on the body’s glucose tolerance.
· It Regulates Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a medical condition that can have a significant adverse effect on an individual’s overall health. It can result in several symptoms, including erectile dysfunction in men. According to Mayo Clinic, a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to hypertension. So, by supplementing the body with enough vitamin D supply, blood pressure can be regulated to a healthier level.
· Minimizes the Frequency and Severity of Asthma Attacks
Asthma causes severe symptoms that make breathing very difficult for sufferers. Asthma attacks are reported to affect more than 300 million people all over the world and can also be fatal. Some studies suggest that taking vitamin D supplements while on asthma medication may reduce the risk of attacks. The supplements can also minimize the severity of an asthma attack, should it happen.
· It Helps with Weight Loss
We cannot talk about the benefits of vitamin D3 without mentioning its fat shedding abilities. In fact, vitamin D induces some receptors in the brain to produce certain chemicals that informs an individual when to do away with unhealthy food cravings. Additionally, this vitamin helps the body in the absorption of some nutrients that are also important for keeping a healthy weight.
· It Lowers Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases
There is a strong link between vitamin D levels and cardiovascular diseases. According to a review paper by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, there is a definite connection between a vitamin D deficiency and hypertension, which can trigger heart failure and ischemic heart disease.
· It has Psychological Benefits
The benefits of Vitamin D3 go beyond just the body’s physiological health. As a matter of fact, this vitamin also caters to certain psychological health issues too. Vitamin D has the ability to control the production of dopamine and serotonin which are neurotransmitters that affect on the development and function of the brain.
Vitamin D receptors are also found in the brain – particularly in the areas of the brain that are most affected by depression. Therefore, when vitamin D levels become low, one symptom that is likely is depression. However, supplementing with this vitamin may help as a natural treatment for depression.
· Vitamin D Prevents Cancer
Adequate amounts of vitamin D has been linked to reducing the risk of developing cancer. According to evidence provided by the National Cancer Institute, vitamin D may help in the prevention of pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
· It Encourages Increased Testosterone Levels
Finally, for men suffering from hypogonadism, let’s address the fact that vitamin D is an effective treatment for you. Hypogonadism is actually a medical condition where the level of testosterone is considered to be too low. Now, the question is “how much vitamin D3 is ideal for testosterone?” Well, according to Anabolic Men, the right dose for men who would like to use vitamin D supplement to increase their testosterone levels is 3332IU daily.
The Bottom Line
As you must have noticed, the benefits of vitamin D3 are numerous; so, it is important to get enough amounts of this vitamin per day. From encouraging healthier bone to improving mood, this vitamin promises vital benefits that good for our overall health.
For men particularly, it has been proven that vitamin D3 is a perfectly natural option in treating a low testosterone level. However, it is only effective for men when the man suffer a vitamin D deficiency in addition to a testosterone deficiency.
