VITAMIN D

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
What Is Vitamin D?
What role does it play in the body?
Why is it so important?
How does it relate to diabetes, cardiac and kidney problems?
 Fat soluble Vitamin
WHAT IS VITAMIN D?
It is not just a vitamin but technically a
hormone

Made by the skin via sun exposure from

cholesterol

2 types :
Vitamin D2 Ergocalciferol plant
based
Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol Made in
skin

Converted to hormone form through liver &

kidney

Activated by the kidneys

ROLE IN THE BODY
 WHY IS VITAMIN D SO
IMPORTANT?
Regulates immune system

Regulates neuromuscular system & muscle strength

Create strong bones

Tells body to absorb calcium and other minerals

RELATIONSHIP OF VITAMIN D TO DIABETES,
CARDIAC AND KIDNEY ISSUES?
3 Key Players Calcium , Magnesium & Vitamin D

Magnesium

help convert Vitamin D to active form

transport calcium across cell membrane

Cardiac Patients
--> assess these 3 lab values
 VIT D LAB TEST
Calcitriol (1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]) activated form in
the blood which lab test assesses
Generally doctors dont order unless calcium levels are low

30 mins in the sun from 10am-

3pm on unexposed skin twice a
week is sufficient
 FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The doctor decides to give a patient with CHF a high dose of Vitamin D3 since it is
known to be effective increasing cardiac muscle strength. We know that Vit D3
allows the body to absorb calcium via the intestines. This patient is now started on
Vitamin D3 and a high dose of calcium? This patient also has a history of high
cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Vitamin D3 tells the body to absorb the calcium BUT Vitamin K2 tells the body where
to send the calcium. If a doctor prescribes a high dose of Vit D3 + Calcium but the
body does not have enough Vit K2 you now have set your patient up for kidney
stones and thickening of the arteries. Youve just done more harm than good. The
extra calcium will be stored wherever convenient NOT where the body needs it. So
Remember the body is about balance. Vit K2 tells the body what to do with calcium
whereas D3 tells the body to absorb it. Magnesium level is important also.
 REFERENCES
Saif-Elnasr, M., Ibrahim, I. M., & Alkady, M. M. (2017, February 16). Role of Vitamin D on glycemic control
and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5377965/

Martin, T., & Campbell, R. K. (2014, May 01). Vitamin D and Diabetes. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from
http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/24/2/113

Fukumoto, S. (2014, February 05). Phosphate metabolism and vitamin D. Retrieved April 25, 2017, from
http://www.nature.com/bonekeyreports/2014/140205/bonekey2013231/full/bonekey2013231.html