Vitamin D3 & Vitamin C

Most people get the majority of their vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. The body uses the Ultraviolet B radiation that penetrates the skin to produce vitamin D3. Vitamin C is not manufactured by the body and must be derived from foods such as citrus fruits and vegetables. Vitamin D3 and vitamin C both play an essential role in overall good health. The two vitamins are common in some of the benefits they provide.

Bone Health

A report of the Surgeon General from Bone Health and Osteoporosis lists vitamin C as an important nutrient that impacts bone health. Vitamin C helps enzymes function properly and assists in the formation of optimal bone structure for bone strength. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and has a significant effect on skeletal system growth and known for its role in the prevention of rickets and osteomalacia. Vitamin D deficiencies can cause bones to become misshapen, thin and brittle.

Cancer

Vitamin D3 deficiency may increase the risk of developing many forms of cancer. Studies to investigate the role of vitamin D3 associated with insufficient solar radiation, were published in the journal "Cancer" in 2002, and concluded that the incident of cancer could be reduced by increased exposure to the sun, but more safely, supplementation of vitamin D3. Vitamin C may inhibit the growth of some cancerous tumors. The National Institutes of Health found that a high-dose intravenous of vitamin C led to the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which killed cancer cells but did not affect normal cells. This proved vitamin C a potential mechanism for cancer therapy.

Immune System

Vitamin D3 is important for the prevention of autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, especially in the lungs. Vitamin D3 deficiency is a common problem in tuberculosis patients. Research conducted at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry discovered that vitamin D3 could speed up antibiotic treatment of tuberculosis in some patients. The average clearance time of the tuberculosis for those administered vitamin D3 was one week less than the control group, as published in The Lancet 2011. The benefits of vitamin C have long been associated with its effect on the immune system. Research by South African doctors showed that vitamin C raised the concentration of immunoglobulin and other key components of the immune system, which activates the destruction of antigens. Subjects given vitamin C showed a 20 percent increase in serum levels of antibodies, which strengthened the body's immunological system.

Mental Function

Dr John Hoffer, professor at McGill University, said that vitamin C and D deficiencies might be linked to psychological abnormalities. A clinical trial proved vitamin C helps to improve the emotional state of patients in the hospital. The journal "Nutrition" published the study, which found a 34-percent improved mood response in patients given vitamin C. There was no mood improvement with vitamin D in that trial. Research has found that a combination of vitamin D3 and turmeric may prevent brain cell damage and reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease,"2009 suggests vitamin D3 supports the immune system to neutralize and inhibit the formation of plaque deposits caused by free radicals in the brain.