Deficient & Inefficient

Vitamin D

I'm forever amazed by the complexity of the human body, and the way that we are so intricately designed. Humans still cannot fully comprehend how particular organs of our bodies work to compliment the whole (such as the spleen, appendix, gallbladder and tonsils). These organs are sometimes swiftly removed with no real explanation as to what caused their overload or dysfunction in the first place. 🤔

Just as God created the human body with intricacy, the plants we are surrounded by have also been created with a complexity that complements other plants and creation. As we begin to gain understanding of this, we gain invaluable information that can help us to re-establish the equilibrium in our lives and our environments. God created the sun; not too far away to cause us to freeze, and not too near to cause us to be obliterated (Genesis 1:14-19). He also created every system and cell in our bodies (Genesis 1:27), after that He spoke about what man should have dominion over, and then what He had given man to eat;

Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.

Genesis 1:29

It's right there in the first book and first chapter of the bible, crystal clear; so how have we as people of God veered so far away from God's provision for our health?

I believe that every seed-bearing plant and fruit tree that God created contains what our bodies need to to help us to live long, strong, holystically healthy lives. The compounds in the plants (as we'll explore over the months to come) were created to complement the bodies that were fashioned by our awesome Father. 🙌🏽❤️

But before we delve into the provision of plants, it may be useful to lay a few foundations so we can build well. 😉

Impact D

When we’re nutrient deficient it can make us inefficient.   This can be in terms of nutrient, vitamin and mineral uptake, the function of all systems of the body and generally how we function on a day-to-day basis.  Take vitamin D for example, it is known as a vitamin but works as a hormone in the body.  If we are deficient in this vitamin, it can negatively impact multiple bodily systems, aiding with the development and progression of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease and all types of cancer.

Systems Affected

A deficiency of vitamin D can cause the following inefficiencies in our bodies:

Memory related illness such as brain fog, memory loss, mental shifting, informational updating and process speed (Practical Neurology, Jan/Feb 2014)

Nerve related illness such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, diabetic neuropathy, increased sensitivity to pain and tingly “pins and needles” pains in hands and feet (Pubmed, 21 Dec 2022; Yale Medicine 2025).

Musco-skeletal problems such as loss of bone density, fractures, muscle weakness in parts near trunk of body such as the upper arms or thighs, muscle twitches or tremors, muscle spasms, bowed legs and osteoporosis (Yale Medicine, 2025)

Hormone related problems, oestrogen and progesterone can be affected by low vitamin D levels. This can impact regularity of menstrual cycle, menopause, fertility and pregnancy.  Healthy levels can aid with maintaining a healthy uterine lining, which can reduce the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis (News Medical; Repromedfertility)

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, sad, hopelessness, fatigue and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed (News Medical)

Tip-Top

It is wise to have vitamin D levels tested regularly through blood tests, these can be requested at your doctors. If levels are low your doctor will recommend supplementation of vitamin D to normalise levels. Please speak to your doctor about taking K2, as although it aids with directing vitamin D there are contra-indications for some taking other medications (e.g. warfarin).

Serum levels below 25 are classed as deficient

Those with darker skin tones who are from ethnic groups who live in the Northern Hemisphere (colder, less sunny climates) ought to pay particular attention to their vitamin D levels.  Melanin acts as a protector of sorts for the skin.  If skin is not exposed to the sun regularly and safely, along with correct nutritional consumption and supplementation, then Vitamin D levels will become low. 

The elderly also ought to have their levels monitored regularly, as their vitamin D levels can decrease due to less exposure to the sun, their skin’s capacity to produce the vitamin and their nutritional intake and uptake. Those who are obese also ought to have their levels checked, as uptake of the vitamin may be low.

Sources of vitamin D can be found in;

• Fish oils

• Egg yolk

• Liver

• Butter

• Cheese

Melanin’s relation to vitamin D

Melanin is the pigmentation that gives skin its colour.  Melanin absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting cells from DNA damage from sun exposure, which triggers the process of vitamin D synthesis. The amount of vitamin D produced with the same sun exposure would be less in pigmented skin than non-pigmented skin.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is essential for the many ages and stages of our lives, and is one not to be left out of our health armoury!

In the coming weeks we will take a look at some of the other essential vitamins that can support our health.