Vitamin D is a very powerful hormone with the capacity to boost the immune system, brain function and reduce depression. In the last newsletter I indicated that universal concerns suggesting many of us are deficient in vitamin D might be incorrect and that bacteria might be responsible for this false notion.  Fortification with vitamin D, which is going into the food chain, might be doing us more harm than good if we don’t need extra amounts of this hormone. 

What the bacteria do is get in the way of vitamin D’s interaction with its receptor.  When vitamin D is so displaced it then switches off the production of the prohormone form of vitamin D made in the liver, which is the vitamin D, which is commonly measured by means of a blood test.  But this is not the vitamin D, which executes vitamin D functions. The active vitamin D is called 1,25OH vitamin D3 and it is not usually evaluated.  Blood tests routinely requested by physicians measure the prohormone called 25OH vitamin D, which is often low because the active form of vitamin D, 1,25OH vitamin D, is high.  It’s high but it cannot do what it is supposed to do because of the presence of bacteria and then it instructs the liver to make less 25OH vitamin D.  That is the one usually tested. It’s not the right one.

Some readers were curious as to what bacteria would be causing such dysregulation as they would be the ones responsible for preventing vitamin D from performing its beneficial activities.  As there are so many bacteria it is highly unlikely they will ever be identified.  However, if you are suffering from some form of ongoing health problem, like fatigue or an autoimmune disease, have both your vitamin Ds measured including 25OH vitamin D and 1,25OH vitamin D.  If the latter is high and there is a wide discrepancy between the two taking natural antibiotic remedies like the herbs olive leaf extract, oregano, echinacea, andrographis and cats claw might help to eliminate the bacteria that are getting in the way of vitamin D function.  It would be advisable to do this with the guidance of your physician.

Question & Answer Segment ------ your queries answered

Question: I am 53 and have recently developed a rather large breast cyst.  After diagnosing an iodine deficiency my doctor has prescribed 2 drops of iodine daily.  Is there any value to using the iodine topically?  It has been suggested to me that placing the drops onto the breast is a more effective way of supplementing.

Answer: Before you embark on such treatment I would advise you to make sure your breast cyst is benign. Iodine can be applied to the breast. Remember inappropriate iodine treatment can worsen an autoimmune thyroid condition and this is something you would need to review with your physician before commencing supplementation.

Question: I´m taking multivitamin tablets. Is it harmful to my health or safe? I’m going to take fish oil capsules, which are mercury free. Will you advise me about above capsules and which fish oil brand is good for me? Which is a good multivitamin to take according to my age?

Answer: These days I am much more guarded and cautious about any form of supplementation and therefore you should consult with a physician before starting this programme. Before taking fish oil I would suggest you have your vitamin D levels assessed and this includes 25OH and 1,25OH vitamin D. Fish oil capsules might contain vitamin D and in your case extra vitamin D might not be what your body needs.

Equally having your vitamin levels assessed before commencing supplementation would also be wise. A blood test which measures homocysteine would give you some idea about your vitamin status, as your body uses B vitamins to metabolise or use homocysteine efficiently. Elevated homocysteine suggests vitamin deficiency.

Question: I had what was diagnosed as a viral thyroiditis (thyrotoxicosis) about 12 months ago. Blood levels of TSH, T3 and T4 now are normal. But while suffering hyperthyroid symptoms, I started getting symptoms of acid reflux as well, and it hasn't gone away.

It hasn't responded to any medications so far, including Nexium or Somac. It is pretty bad most of the time, regardless of what I eat. My naturopath says I have low stomach acid, which may be part of the problem. My other issue at the moment is that I seem to get breathless and rapid heart beat in response to low levels of stress. My GP says its all anxiety, but I don't feel that is exactly the issue, although I’m stressed by these health issues, which make it difficult to function sometimes. Gastroenterologist says I have a stressed autonomic nervous system. Any suggestions?

Answer: An overactive thyroid can lower your cortisol levels and as you need cortisol to help you make stomach acid this might be one of the health issues you are facing. You can have your cortisol assessed by means of a 24-hour urine test as well as a saliva test and these tests can be ordered by your physician. Breathlessness and a rapid heart beat can also be due to low cortisol levels provided your iron and haemoglobin status are normal. Food allergy/intolerance including gluten and yeast intolerance can lead to reflux and these can also be assessed by your physician.

Question: I am concerned as I have an immune disorder and my specialist has added vitamin D 2000iu to my programme. Can this have adverse consequences?

Answer: I agree you need to have your hormones assessed by a physician as you might be suffering from imbalances of estrogen and testosterone.  Putting on weight can have an adverse effect on your hormones and in this regard a condition called insulin resistance might drive your hormone levels in the wrong direction.  It is best to receive medical guidance before taking hormones.