Vitamin D May Be a Very Big Deal

Long known for its ability to preserve bone strength, vitamin D is now credited with powers that seem almost magical. The Los Angeles Times reports that a growing number of serious scientists speculate that the compound may ease aches and pains, slow some cancers and prevent
diseases as varied as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and
schizophrenia. Unlike other vitamins, the Times reports, vitamin D cycles through the liver and kidneys to turn into a
potent steroid hormone in the same chemical class as estrogen and
cortisol. As it does that, the whole body
seems to listen. According to this report, scientists have found receptors that respond to vitamin D in
just about every type of human cell, from brain to bones. The hormone is believed toswitch at least 200 genes on and off.  Read more in the L.A. Times.