Vitamin D and Omega 3

~~A study published at the Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Oakland Children's Hospital and Research Institute in Oakland California demonstrates the direct relationship between a deficiency of vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids and the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a signaling hormone produced in the brain, which controls a variety of brain functions and behaviors. This hormone therefore regulates sensory functions, and social behavior. Using previously conducted research combined with this recent study these researchers demonstrated that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive disorder all share common defects in sensory gating and social behavior which in turn is adversely affected by a deficiency in both vitamin D, and Omega 3's. In fact it has been demonstrated that individuals suffering from all four of these conditions have responded positively to the introduction of these two essential nutrients. These researchers now have been able to demonstrate a proposed mechanism for this improvement bringing us one step closer to understanding more fully this relationship.
 
I will attempt to summarize these researchers proposed mechanism by which supplying sufficient quantities of both vitamin D and Omega 3, supports sufficient serotonin
production and the reduction in symptoms of ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. 
 
First and foremost the fact that that serotonin plays a primary role in regulating behavior and brain function must be understood. The next key is to recognize that Omega 3's, particularly the DHA component of Omega 3 fatty acids, increase the fluidity of all cell membranes. The cell membrane is the outer lining of every cell. The next critical piece of information is to understand that by doing this the function of cell membrane receptors for serotonin become more active. Simply put, that means serotonin can attach to the cells more readily. The next key to understanding the relationship of these two essential nutrients to reducing symptoms of these behavior disorders is to realize the importance of Omega 3's in the reduction of inflammation. I have preached to you in my newsletter and to my patients in both of my practices for years about the link between Omega 3 fats and reduced inflammation in the body. One of the sources of this inflammation in the body is the production of substances called "prostaglandins". These are molecules that cause the inflammatory response in our body. 
 
So, the next critical piece of the serotonin/mood disorder puzzle is the fact that the EPA component of the Omega 3's suppresses the production of prostaglandin e-2, which interferes with the production of serotonin.
 
Now for the last important piece of this puzzle. That is the key vitamin D function in all of this. Vitamin D actually supports and helps regulate serotonin production by converting an amino acid called tryptophan to its active form TPH-2. Without this occurring there is insufficient serotonin production. Without sufficient serotonin production there is increased "mood disorder dysfunction".
 
So what are the take-aways for you from this research? Let's distill this all down to ultimate simplicity. You need sufficiency of Omega 3 fats, and also sufficient vitamin D levelsin order to reduce the potential that you and your loved ones will suffer from the mood related disorders including, but I am sure certainly not limited to,
ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 
 
Here is what I want you all to do:
1. If you are not already, and there is no medical reason for you not to do so, begin supplementing with a high quality vitamin D supplement. We have a high quality vitamin D supplement in our office which is on sale this month.
2. Have your vitamin D level tested with your next blood test, so that you know your current circulating blood levels of vitamin D. Let us know if you need assistance with this.
3. If you are not already using a high quality Omega 3 supplement like our Innate Choice Omega 3 Sufficiency then start today! Once again we are offering a sale on this supplement for the month of June.
4. If you are attempting to supply a child with sufficient vitamin D and Omega 3 you will need some clinical guidance. Contact Kerry at the Center for Nutrition and Wellness and schedule an appointment for a consultation and analysis with Dr. Pfeiffer. If you do this during June, and you yourself are currently not a patient in the Center, we will offer a 20% discount for you and or your loved one.
I cannot overemphasize the importance of you taking heed to these recommendations. The research bears out what I have been recommending for years to my patients and readers of my newsletter who suffer with these mood altering disorders.