As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, it’s easy to assume that our bodies will naturally get all the vitamin D they need. After all, sunlight exposure is one of the best natural ways to boost vitamin D levels. Of course, we all need to be conscious of sun safety and reducing UV damage, which often means covering up or applying sunscreen, and this can naturally limit vitamin D production in the skin. But what many people don’t realise is that the body also relies on a complex multi-step pathway to produce, transport, activate, and use vitamin D effectively, and each of these stages is influenced by our genes.
Even if you eat well, get outside regularly, or take supplements, your genetics may determine how well your body actually uses vitamin D. Variants in key genes can alter how efficiently vitamin D moves through each step of the process, from initial creation in the skin to conversion in the liver and kidneys, and finally, its interaction with cells.
For example:
- DHCR7 affects the amount of vitamin D your skin is able to produce from sunlight exposure.
- CYP2R1 is involved in the first major conversion step in the liver, turning vitamin D into the form that can circulate in your bloodstream.
- GC helps transport vitamin D through the blood to the tissues and organs that need it.
- VDR, the Vitamin D Receptor, determines how well your cells respond to and utilise vitamin D.
Variations in any of these genes can mean that two people with the same lifestyle habits, same diet, same hours in the sun, may have very different vitamin D status and immune responses. For some, low vitamin D might not reflect a lack of sun exposure, but rather differences in processing and efficiency within the pathway. Understanding these individual differences is an important step in building proactive, personalised health strategies, particularly as vitamin D plays a key role in immune regulation, inflammation control, bone health, mood, and hormone balance.
Personalised insights with the Fitgenes ImmuneHealth™ Report
The Fitgenes ImmuneHealth™ Report is designed to help you and your health practitioner understand your unique genetic pathways related to immune strength and inflammation management, including how effectively your body activates and responds to vitamin D. The report highlights specific gene variants that may influence your immune resilience, provides personalised recommendations, and supports targeted lifestyle choices that align with your individual biology.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your immunity ahead of the busy holiday season, manage inflammation more effectively, support recovery, or simply feel your best heading into summer, personalised health insights can make a real difference.
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You can receive the ImmuneHealth™ Report as a complimentary inclusion when you purchase the Fitgenes Health & Wellbeing Report Mega Bundle. This exclusive package is available only through Fitgenes practitioners and includes multiple DNA-based health and wellness reports designed to support a tailored, proactive approach to personal health.
For more information, visit www.fitgenes.com/products/immunehealth
Article author: Cristina Fortuno, PhD
Dr Fortuno is genetic scientist with focus on human health, and has a PhD (University of Queensland) in Human genetics.
Key References
Kundu R, Chain BM, Coussens AK, Khoo B, Noursadeghi M. Regulation of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 hydroxylases limits cell-autonomous activation of vitamin D in dendritic cells. Eur J Immunol. 2014;44(6):1781-1790. doi:10.1002/eji.201344157
Lagishetty V, Liu NQ, Hewison M. Vitamin D metabolism and innate immunity. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2011;347(1-2):97-105. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2011.04.015
Lin, R. (2016). Crosstalk between Vitamin D Metabolism, VDR Signalling, and Innate Immunity. Biomed Res Int, 2016, 1375858. doi:10.1155/2016/1375858
Malik S, Fu L, Juras DJ, et al. Common variants of the vitamin D binding protein gene and adverse health outcomes. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2013;50(1):1-22.doi:10.3109/10408363.2012.750262
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