Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system. The vitamin interacts with most immune cells, e.g. B. macrophages or B and T lymphocytes. It also stimulates the expression of cathelicidin. The peptide bodybuilding kaufen has an antimicrobial effect and fights viruses, bacteria and fungi. In addition, vitamin D has a positive effect on inflammation processes.
Current study: Vitamin
The University of Hohenheim has examined 30 studies with 53,000 patients. Several studies came to the result that a vitamin D deficiency in sick patients leads to a more severe course of the disease and is an indicator of the severity and mortality. In addition, it has been shown that the course of the disease in smokers, people over 50 years of age and diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes can be more severe or even fatal. What these diseases have in common: They are often associated with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in older people. Therefore, older people and those with previous illnesses in particular should have their vitamin D levels checked regularly and, especially in the darker months of the year, use supplements (e.g. our Nutri-Plus products ).
Vitamin D influences inflammation processes
In addition to the immune system, vitamin D also influences the so-called renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This regulates z. B. the blood pressure. In the event of an infection, an important switching point in this control mechanism is disrupted. According to the study, the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes are out of whack. A vitamin D deficiency makes this even easier. The inflammation is intensified and can lead to serious complications (e.g. the so-called acute respiratory distress syndrome).
If an infection is suspected, the vitamin D level should therefore be checked and a possible deficiency be resolved as soon as possible. However, the study cannot conclusively assess whether taking vitamin D tablets also prevents an outbreak and the question of whether vitamin D protects against illness, as none of the studies investigated the direct connection between vitamin D and the illness.
How often does a vitamin D deficiency occur?
Strictly speaking, vitamin D is not a real vitamin because it can be produced by ourselves in the skin will. Prerequisite: Sufficient solar radiation – more precisely UV-B radiation – reaches the skin. In winter in particular, the sun is no longer intense enough. The ability of the skin to synthesize vitamin D also decreases with age. A vitamin D deficiency therefore mainly occurs in old age. The precursor to vitamin D in the skin is reduced by around half between the ages of 20 and 80. In general, a vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiency symptoms. About a quarter of the German population is affected.