7 Health Benefits of Vitamin D for Scleroderma Patients

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin,” mostly because we get it naturally when the sun’s UV rays interact with our skin, which triggers the vitamin’s synthesis. The vitamin helps our body’s absorption of calcium to keep our bones strong and encourage healthy cells to grow.

Here are a few more health benefits of this versatile vitamin, according to healthline.com:

1. Fighting Depression
Studies have found that people with depression are often deficient in vitamin D and that depression gets better after taking a vitamin D supplement.

MORE: Vitamin D: what is it and are you getting enough?

2. Fighting Disease
Recent studies indicate that vitamin D can reduce the risk of major diseases such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, influenza, diabetes, and many more.

3. Helps With Weight Loss
According to research, vitamin D and calcium supplements can aid in weight loss. Research subjects who took the supplements reported more weight loss than subjects who took placebos.

4. Genes
It is believed that vitamin D affects more than 2,000 genes in the body — which could help protect against cancers.

MORE: Nine signs that you could have a vitamin D deficiency

5. Muscle Strength
It’s well known that vitamin D helps to keep bones and teeth strong, but now we know that muscle strength can also be affected by this nutrient.

6. Healthy Pregnancy
Taking a vitamin D supplement while pregnant could help to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia for the mom, and rickets in the child. However, know that being pregnant with scleroderma requires extra care. Always consult your physician if you’re considering starting a family.

7. Ease Scleroderma Symptoms
Around 80 percent of scleroderma patients have a vitamin D deficiency.  Taking a supplement could help with many of the symptoms associated with the disease.

MORE: 10 frequently asked questions about scleroderma

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.