The Surprising Role of Vitamin D in Health and Disease
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Chapter 1: The Historical Context of Vitamin D
In the early 20th century, a troubling developmental issue emerged among children in the United Kingdom. Known as "the English Disease," rickets significantly impacted bone development and strength. The King's College for Women in London, with its male faculty, assigned biochemist and nutritionist Edward Mellanby to investigate this condition and discover potential remedies.
Mellanby conducted experiments using a diet of oatmeal, similar to that of the Scottish population, which had the highest rickets prevalence in the UK. As anticipated, the dogs fed this diet developed rickets. To treat them, Mellanby administered cod liver oil, which proved effective. However, the specific healing component in the oil remained a mystery.
Another academic, Elmer McCollum from Johns Hopkins University, made key advancements in understanding the healing properties of cod liver oil. Some researchers believed that vitamin A was responsible for the improvement. To test this theory, McCollum oxidized the oil, which destroyed the vitamin A content. When the treatment still worked, he concluded that the actual remedy was a new vitamin, which he and his colleagues named vitamin D.
Around the same time, a physician named Huldshinsky, along with Chick and others in Vienna, discovered that sunlight exposure could cure rickets in affected children. This understanding was further expanded upon by Askew et al. fifteen years later, leading to the fortification of milk with vitamin D in the 1930s as a strategy to combat rickets.
Section 1.1: What is Vitamin D?
Interestingly, vitamin D is not merely a vitamin; it is classified as a hormone. Cholecalciferol, commonly referred to as vitamin D, is a steroid hormone produced in the skin through UVB exposure from 7-dehydrocholesterol, a prevalent type of cholesterol. Dietary sources and fortified foods, such as milk, also provide vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including calcium absorption, inflammation reduction, and the regulation of cell growth, as well as immune and neurological functions. Given its importance in inflammation and immune responses, vitamin D has become a focus of research in relation to Covid-19.
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Section 1.2: Vitamin D and Covid-19
Leading the research on vitamin D and Covid-19 was the University of Chicago, particularly Dr. David Meltzer. Their data indicated that individuals with untreated vitamin D deficiency were 77% more likely to test positive for Covid-19 compared to those with sufficient levels. To further investigate this connection, a clinical trial involving 2,700 participants is in progress, expected to conclude by December 31, 2021.
The Vitamin D and Covid-19 Trial (VIVID), sponsored by Brigham and Women's Hospital in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, aims to assess whether a daily vitamin D supplement for four weeks can reduce the severity of Covid-19 in newly diagnosed patients and lower the risk of infection among their close contacts.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Adequate Vitamin D Levels
Physicians are proactive in addressing vitamin D deficiencies, as evidenced by reports that prescription-strength vitamin D (50,000 IUs) was the second most prescribed "medication" in 2020, following amoxicillin. The NIH recommends vitamin D intake ranging from 400 IUs for children to 800 IUs for seniors. Individuals considering higher doses should consult with their healthcare provider to avoid potential toxicity.
For those uncertain about their vitamin D levels, a simple blood test can measure serum vitamin D, also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Values below 20 ng/mL indicate deficiency, while levels up to 50 ng/mL are considered normal. If someone is found to be deficient, dietary adjustments, supplements, or about 15 minutes of sun exposure can help raise their levels.
Vitamin D appears to be a rare consensus point among advocates and skeptics of vaccines alike. Notable figures, including evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein, internist David Meltzer, and Dr. Anthony Fauci of the NIH, advocate for vitamin D supplementation for those who are deficient to maintain healthy levels.
As Ben Franklin wisely said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It is crucial to ensure adequate vitamin D levels before falling ill.
The second video titled "President Biden's State of the Union Address - YouTube" provides insights into the administration's policies and priorities, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness initiatives, including those related to vitamin D.
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