Vitamin D is considered one of the most crucial micro-nutrient and responsible for proper body functions. It is also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, as the excellent source of it is sunlight exposure. After consumption of vitamin D, it is converted into its active form.
If your body doesn’t consume adequate vitamin D, it leads to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency causes a reduction in bone density, osteoporosis, and broken bones. During the global pandemic, vitamin D gains a lot of attention because of its role in the immune system.
Adults should consume at least 1500-2000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Many food products, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy, contain vitamin D in a very good quantity. However, it becomes challenging to get enough through the diet only. That’s why people are deficient in vitamin D compared to other vitamins.
Through this article, we intend to give insights into vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is considered one of the most crucial micro-nutrient and responsible for proper body functions. It is also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, as the excellent source of it is sunlight exposure. After consumption of vitamin D, it is converted into its active form.
If your body doesn’t consume adequate vitamin D, it leads to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency causes a reduction in bone density, osteoporosis, and broken bones. During the global pandemic, vitamin D gains a lot of attention because of its role in the immune system.
Adults should consume at least 1500-2000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Many food products, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy, contain vitamin D in a very good quantity. However, it becomes challenging to get enough through the diet only. That’s why people are deficient in vitamin D compared to other vitamins.
Through this article, we intend to give insights into vitamin D deficiency.
Importance of vitamin D
It is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for proper bodily functions, including bone health and immunity. It prevents cancer and protects the body from many chronic diseases, such as bone loss, depression, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms related to deficiency of vitamins are generally visible. However, vitamin D deficiency symptoms are challenging to detect. Many times, people may not be able to find any signs at all.
Causes of vitamin D deficiency
Generally, there are two leading causes of vitamin D deficiency, which are mentioned below:
No or less consumption of vitamin D in the diet or through sunlight exposure.
Improper absorption of vitamin D.
Other causes that lead to vitamin D deficiency are as follows,
Medical/Health related issues.
Weight loss-surgeries
Consumption of certain medications.
Some other physio-biological and environmental factors are also responsible for vitamin D deficiency in a very malignant form, for instance, old age and the proportion of melanin pigment in your skin.
Risk factors arise due to vitamin D deficiency
Dark skin
Old age
Obesity/ overweight
Low consumption of fish and dairy products
Living away from the equator location
Indoor work
Chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or hyperparathyroidism
The low nutrient absorption rate
Gastric surgeries
Tests for Vitamin D deficiency
The best way to detect and measure the number of vitamins in your body is a 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test. Any person with 20 nanogram/millilitre to 50 nanogram/millilitre is considered healthy. Less than 12 ng/ml implies a deficiency of vitamin D.
Treatment
If you detect a vitamin D deficiency, you should consult a doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible. Supplements are the best way to overcome the deficiency of vitamin D. Some common supplements for vitamin D deficit people are as follows:
Oral supplements are widespread. You can directly purchase them after a prescription from the doctor regarding the dosage recommendations. Magnesium, a trace element (mineral), also supports activating vitamin D; hence you should consume mineral too.
Food sources
Consuming more vitamin D-rich food will help you in boosting your level. Other foods are,
Fatty fish
Egg yolks
Fortified cereals
Fortified milk and juices
Yoghurt
Beef liver
Since sunlight is the best and most natural source of vitamin D, your doctor must recommend you go out more often. Nonetheless, it would be best to be cautious due to the adverse effects of ultraviolet exposure.
Who is at more risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Some people are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as;
Breastfed infants as human milk do not consist of adequate vitamin D.
With old age, people as the skin of these people are unable to use vitamin D efficiently.
People with dark skin as skin is unable to produce vitamin D from the sun effectively.
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread. However, the signs and symptoms are not easy to identify. It generally causes issues related to bone strength and muscles. If you doubt that you are deficient in vitamin D, then immediately go for a blood test and consult them. This deficiency is prevalent in the age group above 65 years and who have dark skin. However, this deficiency is preventable and curable.
