Vitamin D Influences Genes and Improves 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.