- High blood pressure: Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). Adequate vitamin D levels are important for maintaining proper cardiovascular health.
- Low back pain: Some studies have found a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and chronic low back pain. Vitamin D plays a role in bone health, and inadequate levels may contribute to musculoskeletal pain, including back pain.
- High blood sugar: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
- High susceptibility to viruses: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the immune system, and deficiency has been linked to an increased susceptibility to infections, including viral infections. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for optimal immune function.
- Autoimmune conditions: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Vitamin D plays a regulatory role in the immune system.
- Daytime sleepiness: Some studies have found an association between vitamin D deficiency and excessive daytime sleepiness. Vitamin D may play a role in regulating sleep patterns and improving sleep quality.
- Depression: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of depression and mood disorders. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for brain health and neurotransmitter function.
When you take a vitamin D supplement, it is also important to consider vitamin K2 supplementation. Vitamin K2 helps ensure that calcium is properly utilized and directed towards the bones, preventing it from accumulating in the arteries, joints, and other tissues.
The recommended ratio for vitamin D3 to vitamin K2 supplementation is often cited as 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 to 100 mcg of vitamin K2, but individual needs may vary. Vitamin K2 works synergistically with vitamin D3 to support overall health.
Please note that it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen, as individual needs may vary and it is important to consider any underlying health conditions or medications that may interact with supplements.
REFERENCES
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Babayev, R., & Namazov, M. (2019). The role of vitamin D in chronic low back pain in patients with post-laminectomy syndrome. Turkish Neurosurgery, 29(6), 801-805.
Kayaniyil, S., Vieth, R., Retnakaran, R., & Harris, S. B. (2010). Association of vitamin D with insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 33(6), 1379-1381.
Martineau, A. R., Jolliffe, D. A., Hooper, R. L., Greenberg, L., Aloia, J. F., Bergman, P., … & Griffiths, C. J. (2017). Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ, 356, i6583.
Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281.
Gominak, S. C., & Stumpf, W. E. (2012). The world epidemic of sleep disorders is linked to vitamin D deficiency. Medical Hypotheses, 79(2), 132-135.
Anglin, R. E., Samaan, Z., Walter, S. D., & McDonald, S. D. (2013). Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(2), 100-107.
Maresz, K. (2015). Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 14(1), 34-39.