Vitamin D was created more than 750 million years ago, through photosynthesis, in early phytoplankton species in the oceans.
When, 350 million years ago, the first vertebrates left the calcium-rich oceans and moved onto land, Vitamin D played a major role in the evolution of the species.
This is because it regulates the body’s ability to absorb calcium and subsequently contributes to the formation of a strong and healthy skeleton. In addition to its intake from the various foods, Vitamin D can be produced naturally by our body, through the contact of the skin with solar radiation.
Vitamin D has been recognized internationally as one of the main factors promoting human health and can achieve the following:
Vitamin D is an organic fat-soluble substance. It is classified in vitamins, but now also in hormones. It is technically a pro-hormone, which can be produced by our body in small amounts. Conversion of a pro-hormone to a hormone can be made possible within the body.
Vitamin D exists in the form of cholecalciferol in animals (Vitamin D3) and ergocalciferol in plants (Vitamin D2). Vitamin D3 is the inactive form of Vitamin D. It is synthesized in the skin from the cholesterol derivative 7-dehydroxycholesterol, through a process that requires the sun’s ultraviolet B fraction (UBV).
It is then metabolized in the liver, ultimately resulting in the formation of chalcodiol or 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3]. Then, another hydroxylation (a chemical process by which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is introduced into an organic compound) takes place in the kidneys. In this way, calcitriol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)D3], which is the active form, is produced.
Calcitriol is the end product of metabolism. It is a secosteroid hormone, which interacts with more than 2,500 genes in the human body.
Based on a study conducted in 2006, with the collaboration of the universities of Harvard and UCLA, it was concluded that Vitamin D is a necessary condition in order for cells to gain access to the DNA library. This particular study showed that, despite the fact that the information to fight the tuberculosis bacillus is recorded in the DNA of the white blood cells, it is impossible for them to use it, without the presence of Vitamin D.
The Vitamin D receptor is located in the nucleus of cells. When combined with its ligand, i.e. calcitriol (active form of Vitamin D), it acts as a transcription factor. The binding of the active form of Vitamin D to its receptor plays a decisive role in the functioning of the transcriptional machinery in eukaryotic cells.
Therefore, Vitamin D is of major importance for the action of more than 2,500 genes. Some studies, in fact, speak of a number of genes ranging from 2,000 to 30,000. These genes are responsible for the synthesis of many proteins, which play an important role in the regulation, differentiation and proliferation of cells.
Vitamin D therefore has the potential to inhibit cell proliferation and induce terminal differentiation in a number of normal and cancer cells. It acts directly on the genome, affecting the function of a large percentage of genes and interferes, through its connection with intranuclear receptors, in the expression of target genes, influencing our immune system.
Vitamin D receptors are found in the gut, bones, brain, prostate, breast, colon, immune system cells, heart and vascular muscles.
With Specialized Examinations at the Molecular and Genetic level, the deficiencies of valuable nutrients, hormones and vitamins can be identified, including Vitamin D. In the event that a deficiency or lack of Vitamin D is observed, it is deemed necessary to supply the individual with the ideal amounts ( 60-100 ngr/dl), before any unpleasant symptom associated with its deficiency manifests itself.
The amounts administered to each person are individualized by the Interdisciplinary Team, based on diagnostic findings, gender, age, dietary habits, co-morbidity and many other factors.