The “Sunshine” vitamin is fat-soluble and plays newly emerging roles in the protection and maintainence of brain health, in addition to immune function, modulation of cell growth, regulation and absorption of calcium, and reduction of inflammation. Vitamin D can either be consumed in your diet or converted from cholesterol when sunshine strikes your skin. Modification of vitamin D by both the liver and kidneys is needed to yield the active form. As a fat-soluble molecule, dietary fat is necessary for efficient absorption of Vitamin D.
The brain is loaded with vitamin D receptors (VDRs) that regulate hundreds of genes, including those that promote the expression for enzymes and receptors key to the serotonin neurotransmitter system vital for mood, motivation, and memory. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a multitude of mental disorders including, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease, in addition to other health problems such as lower immunity, numerous kinds of cancer.
Top Farmacy Sources: Seafood is the most important source of this essential vitamin, along with pasture raised pork and lard, and mushrooms that have been exposed to the sun (D2).