Vitamin D Influences Genes and Improves Mood and Memory

Thursday, October 07, 2010 by: Derrell Jones
Tags: vitamin D, genes, health news

(NewsTarget) The importance of Vitamin D is rapidly coming into the consciousness of the masses and for good reason. Simply put Vitamin D is one of the hardest working nutrients utilized by the body in order to thrive. It is well known that the appropriate levels of Vitamin D is great for preventing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and cancer especially when combined with a responsible lifestyle. What may not be so widely known is how Vitamin D influences gene expression and how it can improve both mood and memory.

Despite its name Vitamin D is a hormone. It belongs to the steroid hormone family which includes cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. The steroid hormone family loves to combine with other hormones to form partnerships. Vitamin D is no exception and when it combines with Vitamin A and the fatty acid DHA good things happen. Vitamin D and its partners have access to the nucleus in cells and it is there Vitamin D acts as grand controller of gene expression directing which genes get switched on and off and making sure gene operations run smoothly. In addition to gene expression duties the Vitamin D hormone facilitates mineral metabolism and bone growth.

Feeling a little blue? Can't find your keys? Perhaps a boost in Vitamin D levels is in order. As far as feeling a little down is concerned, decreased levels of Vitamin D correlates with decreased levels of serotonin, a brain messenger that gives a person a sense of well being. Raising one's Vitamin D intake along with magnesium makes serotonin metabolism easier and potentially elevates mood, especially where seasonal affective disorder is concerned.

We all know how important our memory is so let's do something to protect it. Vitamin D controls some aspects of nerve growth factors which are vitally important for memory capacity. Also, Vitamin D assists in brain repair when injury occurs, further protecting memories and learning processes. Research with Alzheimer's patients at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. found that 58% of them had very low Vitamin D levels (20 or lower). Many experts think that low Vitamin D levels may contribute to the progression of dementia.

To say the least Vitamin D's importance can not be overstated. Its preventative and therapeutic effects are now being fully investigated and not a moment too soon.

Sources:

The Vitamin D Cure, Dr. James Dowd, M.D.

http://www.womentowomen.com/depressionanxiet...

http://www.springerlink.com/content/padt0xj3...

About the author

Derrell is a Nutritional Consultant and is currently seeking a diploma as a Holistic Health Practitioner. His mission is to assist as many people as possible during a time when good health is stolen instead of fostered. Follow Derrell at thoughtfulhealth.blogspot.com or email him at [email protected]. If you are interested in toxin free personal care products please visit mysisel.com/thoughtfulhealth. Sign up to purchase products.