Wise Advice: Discovering the Secrets of Vitamin D

In recent years, Vitamin D has gained widespread recognition. What role does it play in our health?

Vitamin D is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), meaning it requires a fatty environment to be efficiently absorbed by the body. Vitamin D serves numerous and diverse roles. Its primary function is to maintain the health of bones and teeth by supporting the absorption of key minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system in several ways:
a. It is essential for the development of white blood cells, which protect the body from pathogens.
b. It supports the development of mucous cells in various parts of the body, especially in the respiratory system. These functions form the first line of defense against pathogens attempting to penetrate the body.

Additionally, Vitamin D helps regulate insulin levels, thereby assisting in sugar metabolism. It has been shown to prevent the development of cancer cells and even contribute to their destruction, particularly in breast and colon cancers. Recent studies also link this vitamin to the prevention and management of several other conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, depression, and more.

A common question arises: since the body can produce Vitamin D with the help of sunlight, why is supplementation increasingly recommended? Tests indicate that at least a third of Israelis suffer from a deficiency, despite Israel being a sunny country. Some suggest this is because people avoid sun exposure due to skin cancer concerns. Others argue that the processed, low-nutrient foods commonly consumed today provide insufficient support for Vitamin D absorption and production.

Even if food quality were adequate, digestive disorders—which are common—can impair nutrient absorption, making it difficult to obtain sufficient Vitamin D (as well as other vitamins and minerals) from diet alone. Furthermore, high rates of obesity can reduce Vitamin D availability, as the vitamin tends to accumulate in fatty tissues instead of circulating freely in the blood to reach vital areas. For these reasons, supplementation is recommended when a deficiency is identified rather than relying solely on diet.

Vitamin D can be found in certain foods, particularly fatty fish such as salmon (which contains the highest amounts), as well as in eggs (3–4 per week) and some other animal products. It is rare in plant-based foods but can be found in spirulina algae, moringa fruit, and shiitake mushrooms. It is important to note that high caffeine consumption may interfere with Vitamin D absorption.

Eliahu Shechter is an iridologist and natural therapist