Why Vitamin D is Essential
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for many bodily functions, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth (3) and supporting a healthy immune system (2). It is obtained through diet, supplements, and exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is also associated with a lower risk of certain diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis and even improved clinical outcomes with COVID-19. But why is that the case?
The Relationship between Glutathione and Vitamin D
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep vitamin D levels balanced and optimal for optimal health.
Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is involved in the metabolism of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important antioxidant that, as with other antioxidants, can be depleted over time. To maintain healthy vitamin D levels, it can be recharged by the body's master antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione helps to neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and increase the risk of disease. Optimizing glutathione can help balance vitamin D levels in the body (1), providing long-term protection against disease and illness. Yes, there is such a thing as too much Vitamin D.
What Happens if You Get Too Much Vitamin D?
Excess Vitamin D can be toxic.
Too much vitamin D can cause calcium levels in the blood to become too high, leading to an increased risk of kidney stones, kidney damage, and bone pain. In addition, too much vitamin D can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of cancer. It is essential to talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin D supplements to ensure you get the correct dosage. Blood tests can be run to ensure levels are optimal.
3 Ways to Raise Vitamin D
- Eat foods rich in Vitamin D: greens such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, chard, and mustard greens. Other plant-based sources of Vitamin D include mushrooms, avocados, and sunflower seeds.
- Consider a vitamin D supplement: Vitamin D comes in some multivitamin tablets, capsules, and liquid drops, which can help you supplement adequate levels of vitamin D. Ask your doctor before supplementing. They may suggest a blood test for Vitamin D levels.
- Get more exposure to natural light: Spending time outdoors in natural sunlight is a great way to increase your vitamin D levels. Make sure to expose your skin to the sun for at least 10-15 minutes daily.
Key Takeaways
Glutathione plays an essential role by lowering Vitamin D when needed and recharging it when it is depleted. This helps to ensure that the body is keeping the right amount of Vitamin D without overcompensating and causing potential health issues.
Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements to ensure you get the correct dosage.
Blood tests can be run to ensure levels are optimal.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D.
Consider a vitamin D supplement.
Get more exposure to natural light.
Consider raising glutathione levels
Glutathione and Vitamin D
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Citations
- Jain, S. K., Parsanathan, R., Achari, A. E., Kanikarla-Marie, P., & Bocchini, J. A., Jr (2018). Glutathione Stimulates Vitamin D Regulatory and Glucose-Metabolism Genes, Lowers Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Levels in Blood: A Novel Approach to Treat 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 29 (17), 1792–1807. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2017.7462
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium; Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, et al., editors. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56070/
- Lorincz, C., Manske, S. L., & Zernicke, R. (2009). Bone health: part 1, nutrition. Sports health, 1 (3), 253–260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738109334213