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Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin for strong bones and teeth, turns out to be a multi-tasker! Since its discovery in the early 1920s this important fat-soluble vitamin was labeled simply as “the antirachitic vitamin” (prevents rickets). Not any more. A major discovery of how it functions as a hormone in the body when converted into its active form by the liver has spurred intense research, revealing much more about this amazing vitamin.

We now know the active form of vitamin D is essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the digestive tract, proper neuromuscular function, normal growth and development and normal bone and tooth formation and maintenance. It improves muscle function. Recent medical research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, cancer, and several autoimmune diseases. Studies show it may decrease the risk of high blood pressure and may prevent cancer by inhibiting uncontrolled cell growth. Vitamin D increases the immune system and has been shown to improve some cases of seasonal-related depression and psoriasis. 

Vitamin D is obtained in the diet and produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight. Dietary and skin derived vitamin D are two different types. Vitamin D2 is an activated substance obtained from certain plants and used to fortify milk and butter. Vitamin D3 is made by the skin when exposed to 10-15 minutes of sunlight. Vitamin D3 is also found in animal sources, such as fish liver oil, egg yolks, herring, salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with untreated celiac disease. It is also found in people who are not exposed to much sunlight. It is characterized by impaired bone mineralization, muscle weakness and alterations in maintenance of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, metabolic functions, and male reproduction. This deficiency results in rickets, delayed walking, painful walking and the development of bowlegs or knock-knees in children. In adults, it is marked by bone pain, easy fractures, osteopenia/osteoporosis, osteomalacia affecting the spine (shortening), pelvis (flattening) lower extremeties (bowing of long bones), muscle weakness, defective coordination in walking, psoriasis and decreased male fertility.  (Recognizing Celiac Disease)

The good news is that the adoption of a gluten-free diet for those with celiac disease leads to better absorption of nutrients as the intestines heal and function properly.  It is important to identify vitamin D deficiency early to halt its progression because deformities that result are irreversible.

(This Health Alert was taken from Recognizing Celiac Disease and the Gluten Free Gazette. The medical studies are referenced in Recognizing Celiac Disease. www.recognizingceliacdisease.com)

Celiac disease is a hereditary, auto-immune disorder estimated to affect 1% of the human population (3 million in the US). Less than 3 % are estimated to be medically diagnosed, but numbers are expected to rapidly increase as diagnosis improves. Celiac disease is caused by the ingestion of wheat, barley, rye and oats and treated by removing these items from the diet. Signs, symptoms, associated disorders and complications can affect any part of the body and removal of the offending foods can result in complete recovery. 

Visit the Gluten Free Works Gluten Free Gazette for more information.  www.glutenfreeworks.com