The Crucial Role of Vitamin D and Melatonin in Human Health

The Crucial Role of Vitamin D and Melatonin in Human Health

In recent years, scientific understanding of vitamin D and melatonin has expanded dramatically, revealing their critical importance for human health far beyond their traditionally recognized roles. This article explores the latest research on these essential molecules, their interconnected functions, and implications for diet and supplementation.

Vitamin D: More than Just Bone Health

Dr. Eric Berg, a prominent health educator, emphasizes that vitamin D is involved in regulating over 2,500 different genes, making it the most influential nutrient in our diet. Contrary to popular belief, vitamin D's role extends far beyond calcium metabolism and bone health. Recent research has uncovered two distinct systems for vitamin D in the body:

1. The skeletal system: This well-known pathway involves vitamin D processing through the liver and kidneys to regulate calcium and bone metabolism.

2. The non-calcium system: This lesser-known pathway affects the immune system, prostate, skin, gut, brain, and muscles. Importantly, this system doesn't require liver and kidney processing.

Dr. Berg highlights that the blood levels of vitamin D (typically measured in medical tests) don't necessarily correlate well with cellular vitamin D levels, especially in the non-calcium system. This discrepancy may explain why some individuals with "normal" blood levels of vitamin D still experience deficiency symptoms.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Beyond the Obvious

While most people are familiar with common vitamin D deficiency symptoms like lower back pain, depression, and inflammation, Dr. Berg reveals several lesser-known signs:

1. Head sweating, especially in infants and children

2. Night sweats

3. Mood swings and emotional instability

4. Procrastination and lack of motivation

5. Panic attacks

6. Achiness in the pelvis, lower back, hips, and upper legs

7. Loss of muscle strength

8. Joint stiffness, particularly in knees and fingers

9. Chronic fatigue

10. Difficulty thinking quickly or clearly

11. Difficulty feeling satisfied after eating

These symptoms underscore the wide-ranging effects of vitamin D on various bodily systems and highlight the importance of maintaining optimal levels.

Optimal Vitamin D Levels and Supplementation

There's considerable debate about optimal vitamin D levels and supplementation. Dr. Berg suggests that individuals may need between 6,000 and 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily to maintain overall health, especially for the non-calcium system. He emphasizes that fears of toxicity at these levels are largely unfounded, as spending 20-40 minutes in summer sunlight can naturally produce similar amounts.

However, it's crucial to note that vitamin D supplementation should be accompanied by its cofactors, including vitamin K2, zinc, and magnesium, to ensure proper utilization and prevent potential imbalances.

Melatonin: Beyond Sleep Regulation

Isabella Cooper, PhD, a research scientist specializing in human physiology and ketosis, sheds light on melatonin's often-overlooked roles in the body. While commonly associated with sleep regulation, melatonin is a powerful antioxidant with critical functions in cellular health.

Key points about melatonin include:

1. Only 5% of melatonin is produced in the pineal gland; the majority is made by immune cells and mitochondria throughout the body.

2. Melatonin is essential for protecting cardiolipin, a crucial fatty acid in mitochondria that supports energy production.

3. It plays a vital role in regulating apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is necessary for eliminating damaged or dysfunctional cells.

4. Melatonin has shown promise in cancer research by helping to normalize cellular metabolism and potentially inhibiting cancer cell growth.

5. Contrary to some medical advice, Cooper suggests that melatonin supplementation may be beneficial for heart health, particularly in cases of atrial fibrillation or other cardiac issues.

Dietary Sources and Supplementation

Interestingly, egg yolks are a rich natural source of melatonin. Cooper recommends consuming eggs, particularly with runny yolks and well-cooked whites, as an excellent way to boost melatonin intake naturally. For those considering supplementation, she suggests that melatonin might be one of the most beneficial supplements to consider.

The Importance of a Species-Appropriate Diet

Both Dr. Berg and Cooper emphasize the significance of consuming a species-appropriate diet for optimal health. They caution against the use of seed oils (such as canola, soybean, and corn oil) and excessive fiber, which can interfere with bile production and nutrient absorption, including vitamin D and melatonin.

Cooper argues that while it may be possible to maintain health on a vegan diet with careful supplementation, it's challenging to achieve optimal health without animal-based foods. She points out that there's no historical evidence of thriving vegan populations and that several crucial nutrients are primarily found in animal products.

Conclusion

The latest research on vitamin D and melatonin reveals their far-reaching impacts on human health, extending well beyond their traditionally recognized roles. Maintaining optimal levels of these nutrients through a species-appropriate diet, sensible sun exposure, and targeted supplementation may be key to supporting overall health and preventing a wide range of chronic diseases.

Author's Background

I am an engineer by profession and not a licensed medical doctor, registered dietitian, or certified nutritionist. The information presented here is based on my research from reputable medical and nutritional sources, but this should not be considered as medical advice.

Isabella Cooper is a PhD researcher at the University of Westminster, focusing on ketogenic science, hyperinsulinemia, and metabolic cancer research.  https://beatbraincancer.co.uk

Dr. Eric Berg  https://drberg.com