Vitamin D: Essential to Longevity and Vitality?
When we think about vitamins, we often picture tiny nutrients that help fill in dietary gaps. But Vitamin D is different—it's actually a prohormone, meaning it influences hormone activity and regulates numerous biological functions far beyond bone health. In the world of functional nutrition, Vitamin D isn’t just a supplement—it’s a critical player in disease prevention, immune support, and cellular function.
Yet, despite its importance, Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide, with nearly 80% of Americans falling short. If you’re struggling with fatigue, low immunity, mood swings, or even persistent inflammation, your Vitamin D levels could be to blame.
What Makes Vitamin D So Unique?
Unlike other vitamins that must come from food or supplements, Vitamin D is the only one your body can produce on its own—but only when your skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun. This is why it’s often called the “sunshine vitamin.”
Unfortunately, modern life works against us. Sunscreen, indoor living, long winters, and even genetics can prevent us from making enough Vitamin D naturally. And when levels drop, the body suffers in ways most people don’t even realize.
Why Prioritize Vitamin D
As a functional nutrition practitioner, I take a root-cause approach to health, focusing on preventing disease rather than just treating symptoms. Vitamin D is one of the most powerful nutrients for longevity, influencing everything from inflammation to genetic expression.
Here are a few great reasons functional medicine practitioners recommend maintaining optimal—not just “sufficient”—levels of Vitamin D:
Immune Support & Autoimmune Protection
Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in immune function, helping to modulate inflammation and strengthen defenses against infections, viruses, and chronic disease. Low levels have been linked to:
Frequent colds and flu
Increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
Poor response to immune challenges, including viral infections
Bone and Muscle Health (Beyond Calcium!)
Most people associate Vitamin D with strong bones, but without Vitamin D, calcium can’t be properly absorbed. Deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, increased fracture risk, and even muscle weakness—especially as we age.
Pro tip: For bone and heart health, functional medicine experts recommend taking Vitamin D with Vitamin K2 to ensure calcium gets deposited in bones rather than arteries.
Mood, Brain Function, and Mental Health
Ever feel the “winter blues”? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is largely tied to low Vitamin D levels in colder months. But beyond seasonal mood swings, Vitamin D deficiency is linked to:
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Poor cognitive function and brain fog
Higher likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia
Functional nutrition takeaway: Optimal Vitamin D levels support neurotransmitter function, helping regulate mood, memory, and focus.
Heart Health and Inflammation Control
New research links low Vitamin D levels to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation. Since inflammation is the root cause of nearly every chronic disease, ensuring sufficient Vitamin D levels is a preventative health strategy.
Cancer Prevention & Longevity
A groundbreaking Danish study found that individuals with higher Vitamin D levels had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer. Even more interesting—cancer patients with sufficient Vitamin D responded better to treatment.
Are You Getting Enough? (Don’t Guess—Test!)
Most conventional doctors consider 30 ng/ml an adequate level, but functional medicine experts recommend at least 50 ng/ml, with an optimal range between 60-80 ng/ml for disease prevention and longevity.
I can offer you an easy at-home test. You’ll get the insight you need.
Simple test with full follow up consultation here.
Best Sources of Vitamin D
If you’re not getting enough sun, here’s how to naturally support your Vitamin D levels:
Sun Exposure (The Most Natural Way!)
Aim for 15-30 minutes of direct sunlight on bare skin daily (without sunscreen).
Darker skin tones may require longer exposure due to higher melanin levels.
Midday sun (10 AM–2 PM) is best for maximum UVB absorption.
Vitamin D-Rich Foods
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Grass-fed liver & beef
Pastured eggs (specifically the yolks)
Mushrooms (especially wild and UV-exposed varieties)
High-Quality Supplementation
Since most people struggle to get enough Vitamin D through food and sunlight alone, functional medicine recommends supplementation:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the most bioavailable form.
Pair with Vitamin K2 (MK-7) for better calcium utilization.
Liquid forms or soft gels in an oil base offer superior absorption.
Don’t Wait Until Deficiency Hits
If you’re struggling with energy, mood swings, poor immunity, or chronic inflammation, Vitamin D could be a missing piece of the puzzle. Instead of guessing, get tested, optimize your levels, and experience the profound benefits of this vital prohormone.
Want to check your levels? Click here to order your simple Vitamin D test with full consultation with me now → CLICK HERE
Real Support for Your Health
We talk about strategies to support your health and longevity, including proper nutrition and supplementation, inside the RW Collective.
Join the RW Collective - dynamic membership that offers concierge services through monthly live teaching and interactive “Ask Me Anything” calls.
Join NOW and receive a complementary one-on-one session with Leslie (that’s a $295 value)!
