Health For Non-Majors: Sun, Cholesterol, and Vitamin D

By Dr. Madeline

Did you know your skin is an organ? In fact, it’s the largest organ in the human body. One of its many functions is to absorb sunlight to help you make vitamin D.

“How?” you may ask.

Our skin stores a cholesterol-based

But storing 7-dehydrocholesterol is just the beginning of the story. There are many more steps before vitamin D is fully activated. (See chart)

Here is how it works. The liver makes 7-dehydrocholesterol and sends it to your skin. UV light from the sun converts it to cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). Once transformed, the molecule moves from your skin into your bloodstream and back to your liver where it is updated to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (Vitamin D2). It then gets released back into your bloodstream and flows around until it reaches your kidneys, which convert it to the active form of vitamin D (1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol or calcitriol).

These are some of our products that provide a baseline amount of vitamin D. Check with your healthcare provider to nd something speci c to your needs.

So, how much vitamin D do you need? Probably more than you are getting. Research has demonstrated that most people are vitamin D deficient. So, what should you do?

The only way to really know your vitamin levels is to get a blood test through your healthcare provider. They will check your vitamin D3 levels, as there is a risk of overdosing on supplemental fat-soluble vitamin D. For those of us who live in colder climates or whose bodies do not make 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, Vitamin D2 is often prescribed, as it fast-tracks the process. Most over-the-counter vitamins, however, are in the D3 form which allows you to bypass the sunshine step so your body can do the rest. Again, it is always wise to check with your doctor first. Although sun protection is highly recommended in any climate, remember that while sunscreen protects your skin from burns, it also blocks UV light—the first essential conversion toward making vitamin D.

Understanding how molecules move through our bodies in the complex ways required for optimal nourishment, such as those needed to make vitamin D (skin,liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system—heart and blood vessels), we gain a deeper insight into how the human body words as a whole, beautiful, and connected system.

Not intended as medical advice. We encourage shoppers to consult their health care provider and/or research before beginning any new regimen.