Vitamin D-3 does a lot more than make strong bones. This incredible supplement stimulates a group of proteins called antimicrobial peptides, which have undergone extensive study recently.
Researchers have found that these antimicrobial peptides can inhibit or kill a number of viruses, bacteria and fungi. The more vitamin D-3 one has, the higher the level of these microbe-killing peptides one makes. This explains the observation that viral illnesses such as the flu are usually less severe in countries near the equator.
Many studies have shown that the elderly often have significant deficiencies of vitamin D, mainly because they stay indoors and avoid the sun by using sunscreen. More and more young people are becoming vitamin D-3 deficient because of the widespread use of sunscreen.
Vitamin D-3, the functional form of vitamin D, is emerging as an extremely important nutrient with impressive abilities. Actually, it is not a vitamin, but a neurohormone. Our skin makes a large amount of vitamin D-3 when exposed to the direct rays of the sun. As few as 30 minutes of exposure can generate tens of thousands of units of this powerful vitamin.
Recent studies have shown that the traditionally-recommended dosage is far too low. The average person has been shown to need a minimum of 2,000 IU – 5,000 IU per day. Infants and young children need 1,000 IU each day, and older kids should get 2,000 IU per day. Adults, in many scientists’ opinions, should get a minimum of 5,000 IU per day.
Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to hair loss. Visit Hairguard.com for more information. |