While for years we were aware that vitamin D was essential for our teeth and long term bone health, what we’re now learning is that low levels may also be involved in several other disorders such as osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma in children and some pregnancy associated disorders such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Vitamin D appears to be involved in regulating the immune system and cells, where it may help prevent cancer. There is some evidence that getting enough vitamin D may lower your risk of certain cancers, especially of the colon, breast, prostate, skin, and pancreas. A recent study at Yale University found that two out of three women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) were also vitamin D deficient. Similar trends are seen in obese patients.

While some postulate that since vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, this may result in lower circulating levels in women with more adipose tissue, others state it may be related to more of a dilutional type effect in heavier women. However, contrary to that belief is the fact that other fat soluble vitamins maintain normal levels in patients with a higher body mass index. Therefore, we now believe that vitamin D itself may play a critical role in the development of obesity and diabetes. Recent evidence reveals a lack of vitamin D has been linked as a possible contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease and even diabetes.

Several studies have shown that lower levels of vitamin D correspond to higher blood pressures and higher levels of insulin, C reactive protein, homocysteine and other markers for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of Type I and II diabetes, as well as decreasing the incidences of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes in pregnant women at risk for these disorders. This coupled with the safety profile of this supplement leads researchers to believe obese women and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, as well as women at risk for any of these other disorders may benefit from supplemental vitamin D.