Viruses, Vitamin D levels and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases, is progressive and affects 2.8 million people worldwide. In addition, MS is the most common disabling neurological (affecting the nerves) disease in young adults (20-40 years old). Shockingly more than 9,000 people live with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland, and it affects women twice as […]
Why is Vitamin D so important?
Early science understood the calcium homeostasis role of Vitamin D and bone health. However, we now know that vitamin D plays a major biological role in human physiology, cell differentiation, proliferation (1) and immunity. In our new understanding, we realise it is no longer recommended to have merely sufficient levels of Vitamin D to avoid rickets. […]
How is Vitamin D made?
In the presence of UVB rays from the sun, a precursor, pre-vitamin D is made in the epidermis from a derivative of cholesterol in the skin. This is then made into D3 in the lower layers of the skin. (cholecalciferol) The liver converts this to calcidiol (25-hydroxy vitamin D), and another conversion to calcitriol 1,25 […]
What serum level of Vitamin D should I aim for?
Looking back to the early 20th century, it became known that vitamin D deficiency, brought about by lack of sunlight, caused rickets in young children. Rickets manifests as weaker bones, malformations and stunted growth, and is very painful. Supplementing with cod liver oil, high in Vitamin D, was therapeutic in correcting this condition. Surprisingly rickets […]
Why supplementing with Vitamin D3 has become critical
As a Holistic Health Care practitioner, working with nutrition and lifestyle to create robust health for my clients and me, there are several supplements I would not be without. Vitamin D3 is right up there near the top of the list. Natural synthesis of Vitamin D3 requires UVB sunshine on the skin. Ireland, being at 51-55 degrees […]
COVID-19 is exposing cracks in our health
Our daily media reports of mortality statistics implicate underlying health conditions or comorbidities as a significant factor in those patients who have struggled or failed to survive the attack of the coronavirus. In Ireland today we are seeing rising rates of chronic illness with over 1 million people impacted according to the HSE ( Health […]
