It has become clear that Vitamin D not only supports balanced mood and immune flexibility but also aids the digestive tract. Emerging research indicates that the state of Vitamin D affects the health of the gut and the beneficial bacteria present.
**Vitamin D and the Gut Microbiome**
Research highlights that Vitamin D contributes to the formation of a diverse gut microbiome and restores good bacteria throughout the digestive system, while considering other determinants of microbiotic diversity such as age and antibiotic use. To fully support gut health, it seems wise to address Vitamin D levels, which millions of adults worldwide suffer from deficiency or inadequacy.
Professor Adrian F. Gombart, a biochemistry professor at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, states, "The Vitamin D pathway is important in regulating immune responses and gut health. There are different genes regulated by Vitamin D receptors that can affect the integrity of the gut barrier and the immune defenses in the gut. With Vitamin D deficiency, one might assume that changes in these aspects of the digestive tract could lead to alterations in the composition of the microbiome."
A diverse gut microbiome, an indicator of digestive health, protects against unwanted invaders, helps improve nutrient and energy extraction, and contributes to healthy immune function, leading to better digestion, mood, and cognition.
**A Bidirectional Pathway**
Vitamin D influences the digestive tract, but the digestive tract also impacts Vitamin D, particularly regarding its absorption, making it a bidirectional pathway. Research indicates that the absorption of Vitamin D is affected by the upper digestive tract and the proteins therein. In other words, a healthier gut is better able to absorb Vitamin D effectively. However, there is much more ground to cover in understanding this, according to Gombart, as it is an emerging research area, and further studies will provide a better and deeper understanding of this important interaction.
