Potential Health Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also helpful in reducing inflammation and boosting immune function and cell growth. Since vitamin D plays a key role in many bodily functions, research has connected it to a variety of potential wellness perks.
1. May Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
Research shows that people with vitamin D deficiency have a 54 percent higher risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disorder, than those with sufficient levels, and the risk may be much lower when people take vitamin D supplements.
The benefits may not translate into treating the disease. Research shows that vitamin D may help prevent MS, but it doesn’t appear to improve disability or reduce relapses in MS patients. In fact, too much vitamin D can lead to symptoms like fatigue, bladder problems, and muscle weakness, which may mimic MS symptoms.
Be sure to speak to your doctor if you have MS or a vitamin D deficiency to determine the right approach for your health concerns.
2. May Protect Mental Health
Vitamin D is an antioxidant that has activity in brain tissue — and studies show low vitamin D levels are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers recommend that doctors check vitamin D levels as part of preventing and planning treatment around these mood disorders.
“Mental health and nutrition are closely connected,” says Maxine Yeung, RD, the owner of The Wellness Whisk in the San Francisco Bay Area. “A link between vitamin D deficiency and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety highlights the importance of meeting nutrient needs to help support one’s emotional well-being.”
One review of 18 clinical trials found that vitamin D supplements helped lower depression symptoms slightly, but only in people who already have adequate vitamin D levels. That means if you’re deficient, your levels may need to be corrected before you see the added benefit of vitamin D supplementation. More research is needed to determine effective dosing.
3. May Help Cancer and Chronic Disease Outcomes
Vitamin D could be one pathway to reducing the impact of cancer, although current research is mixed.
One review found that vitamin D intake may help prevent breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, and may even reduce colon cancer mortality. That said, results for other cancers are inconsistent or unavailable.
In another randomized controlled trial of more than 25,000 participants, those who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D did not have a lower rate of cancer or cardiovascular events than the placebo group. But those who developed cancer had a 25 percent lower death rate when they were taking vitamin D.
“Understanding the role of vitamin D in preventing chronic diseases is important when determining the appropriate recommendation for supplementation,” says Yeung. “This study shows that in generally healthy adults, regular vitamin D supplements may not help reduce the risk of cancer, however, there may be benefits for those with cancer.”
The findings also included a possible reduction in cancer risk for African Americans, which researchers say warrants further study.
