What is vitamin D deficiency. How does it affect your health. What are the primary causes of vitamin D deficiency. Who is at higher risk of developing a deficiency. How can you increase your vitamin D intake. What are the potential consequences of severe vitamin D deficiency. Can excessive vitamin D intake be harmful.

Understanding Vitamin D: Essential for Health and Well-being

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It aids in calcium absorption, which is essential for building strong bones and teeth. Beyond its well-known impact on bone health, vitamin D also contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous, muscle, and immune systems.

There are three primary ways to obtain vitamin D:

• Through skin exposure to sunlight
• From dietary sources
• Through supplements

While sunlight is an excellent natural source of vitamin D, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. As a result, many individuals seek alternative sources to meet their vitamin D requirements.

Recommended Daily Intake: Ensuring Adequate Vitamin D Levels

The amount of vitamin D needed daily varies depending on age. Here are the recommended daily intakes in international units (IU):

• Birth to 12 months: 400 IU
• Children 1-13 years: 600 IU
• Teens 14-18 years: 600 IU
• Adults 19-70 years: 600 IU
• Adults 71 years and older: 800 IU
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 600 IU

Is the recommended daily intake sufficient for everyone. While these guidelines are suitable for most individuals, people at high risk of vitamin D deficiency may require higher doses. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate intake for your specific needs.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency: Identifying the Root of the Problem

Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to various factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and treatment:

1. Insufficient dietary intake
2. Malabsorption issues
3. Limited sun exposure
4. Impaired liver or kidney function
5. Medications interfering with vitamin D metabolism

How does limited sun exposure contribute to vitamin D deficiency. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D naturally. However, factors such as living in areas with limited sunlight, spending most time indoors, or consistently using sunscreen can significantly reduce this natural production.

High-Risk Groups: Identifying Those Most Susceptible to Vitamin D Deficiency

Certain populations are more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency:

• Breastfed infants
• Older adults
• People with dark skin
• Individuals with digestive disorders
• People with obesity
• Those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
• Individuals with chronic kidney or liver disease
• People taking certain medications

Why are breastfed infants at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Human milk is naturally low in vitamin D. To address this, it’s recommended that breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D.

The Impact of Skin Pigmentation on Vitamin D Production

Individuals with darker skin are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, acts as a natural sunscreen. While this provides protection against harmful UV rays, it also reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight exposure.

Health Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency: From Bone Health to Systemic Effects

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health issues, ranging from mild to severe:

• Loss of bone density
• Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures
• Rickets in children
• Osteomalacia in adults
• Muscle weakness
• Compromised immune function

How does vitamin D deficiency affect bone health. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines. Without adequate vitamin D, the body cannot effectively utilize calcium, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.

Rickets: A Rare but Serious Consequence in Children

Rickets is a condition characterized by softening and weakening of bones in children, primarily caused by severe vitamin D deficiency. It can lead to skeletal deformities, growth retardation, and an increased risk of fractures. African American infants and children are at higher risk of developing rickets due to their darker skin pigmentation.

Osteomalacia: The Adult Counterpart to Rickets

In adults, severe vitamin D deficiency can result in osteomalacia, a condition similar to rickets. Osteomalacia causes weak bones, bone pain, and muscle weakness, significantly impacting quality of life and increasing the risk of falls and fractures.

Boosting Vitamin D Intake: Natural Sources and Fortified Foods

While few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, there are several dietary sources to consider:

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
• Beef liver
• Cheese
• Mushrooms
• Egg yolks

In addition to these natural sources, many foods are fortified with vitamin D:

• Milk
• Breakfast cereals
• Orange juice
• Yogurt
• Soy drinks

How can you determine if a food is fortified with vitamin D. Check the nutrition label on food packaging. Fortified foods will list vitamin D in the nutrient breakdown and often highlight this addition on the front of the package.

The Role of Supplements in Addressing Vitamin D Deficiency

For individuals unable to obtain sufficient vitamin D through diet and sunlight exposure, supplements can be an effective solution. Vitamin D is available in many multivitamins and as standalone supplements in both pill and liquid forms. When treating vitamin D deficiency, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage, frequency, and duration of supplementation.

The Dangers of Excessive Vitamin D: Understanding Vitamin D Toxicity

While vitamin D deficiency is a common concern, it’s also possible to have too much of a good thing. Vitamin D toxicity, although rare, can occur from excessive supplementation and lead to various health issues:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Kidney damage
• Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels)

Can you get vitamin D toxicity from sun exposure or food sources. No, vitamin D toxicity typically occurs only from overuse of supplements. The body naturally regulates vitamin D production from sunlight, and it’s very difficult to obtain toxic levels from food sources alone.

The Importance of Proper Dosing and Monitoring

To prevent vitamin D toxicity while addressing deficiency, it’s crucial to follow healthcare provider recommendations for supplementation. Regular blood tests can help monitor vitamin D levels and ensure they remain within a healthy range.

Vitamin D Testing: Assessing Your Vitamin D Status

If you suspect you may have a vitamin D deficiency or are at high risk, a simple blood test can measure your vitamin D levels. The most common test measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which is the primary form of vitamin D circulating in the bloodstream.

What are the optimal vitamin D levels. While there is some debate among experts, generally, a level of 20-50 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) is considered adequate for bone and overall health. Levels below 20 ng/mL are typically considered deficient, while levels above 50 ng/mL may be excessive for some individuals.

Interpreting Test Results and Treatment Options

Based on your test results, your healthcare provider may recommend various interventions:

• Dietary changes to increase vitamin D intake
• Increased sun exposure (with proper skin protection)
• Vitamin D supplementation
• Treatment of underlying conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism

Regular monitoring may be necessary to ensure that interventions are effective and to prevent overcorrection leading to vitamin D toxicity.

Vitamin D and Public Health: Addressing Deficiency on a Global Scale

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread public health concern, affecting populations worldwide. Factors such as modern lifestyles with reduced outdoor activities, increased use of sunscreen, and dietary habits contribute to this global issue.

How are public health initiatives addressing vitamin D deficiency. Many countries have implemented food fortification programs, adding vitamin D to staple foods like milk and bread. Additionally, public health campaigns aim to educate people about the importance of vitamin D and ways to maintain adequate levels.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Preventing and Treating Vitamin D Deficiency

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing vitamin D deficiency:

• Screening high-risk individuals
• Providing personalized recommendations for supplementation
• Educating patients about the importance of vitamin D
• Monitoring treatment effectiveness and preventing toxicity

By working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can develop effective strategies to maintain optimal vitamin D levels and support overall health.

Future Directions in Vitamin D Research and Treatment

As our understanding of vitamin D’s role in health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new areas of study:

• The potential role of vitamin D in preventing chronic diseases
• Optimal dosing strategies for different populations
• The interaction between vitamin D and other nutrients
• Novel methods for increasing vitamin D production and absorption

How might future research impact vitamin D recommendations. As new evidence emerges, guidelines for vitamin D intake and optimal blood levels may be refined. Additionally, personalized approaches to vitamin D supplementation based on individual genetic factors may become more common.

The Promise of Personalized Vitamin D Supplementation

Advances in genetic testing and personalized medicine may lead to more tailored approaches to vitamin D supplementation. Factors such as genetic variations in vitamin D metabolism, individual lifestyle factors, and specific health conditions could inform customized recommendations for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.

By staying informed about the latest research and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can ensure they’re taking the best possible approach to maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and supporting their overall health and well-being.

Vitamin D Deficiency: MedlinePlus

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency means that your body is not getting enough vitamin D to stay healthy.

Why do I need vitamin D and how do I get it?

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone. Vitamin D also has a role in your nervous, muscle, and immune systems.

You can get vitamin D in three ways: through your skin, from your diet, and from supplements. Your body forms vitamin D naturally after exposure to sunlight. But too much sun exposure can lead to skin aging and skin cancer, so many people try to get their vitamin D from other sources.

How much vitamin D do I need?

The amount of vitamin D you need each day depends on your age. The recommended amounts, in international units (IU), are:

• Birth to 12 months: 400 IU
• Children 1-13 years: 600 IU
• Teens 14-18 years: 600 IU
• Adults 19-70 years: 600 IU
• Adults 71 years and older: 800 IU
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 600 IU

People at high risk of vitamin D deficiency may need more. Check with your health care provider about how much you need.

What causes vitamin D deficiency?

You can become deficient in vitamin D for different reasons:

• You don’t get enough vitamin D in your diet
• You don’t absorb enough vitamin D from food (a malabsorption problem)
• You don’t get enough exposure to sunlight
• Your liver or kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form in the body
• You take medicines that interfere with your body’s ability to convert or absorb vitamin D

Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Some people are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency:

• Breastfed infants, because human milk is a poor source of vitamin D. If you are breastfeeding, give your infant a supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D every day.
• Older adults, because your skin doesn’t make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight as efficiently as when you were young, and your kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form.
• People with dark skin, which has less ability to produce vitamin D from the sun.
• People with conditions that make it difficult to absorb nutrients from food, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease.
• People who have obesity, because their body fat binds to some vitamin D and prevents it from getting into the blood.
• People who have had gastric bypass surgery, a type of weight loss surgery which creates a bypass of part of the small intestine. Since vitamin D is absorbed there, bypassing part of it makes it harder to absorb enough vitamin D.
• People with chronic kidney or liver disease, which can affect your ability to change vitamin D into a form your body can use.
• People who take medicines that affect vitamin D levels, including certain cholesterol, anti-seizure, steroid, and weight-loss medicines.

Talk with your provider if you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. There is a blood test that can measure how much vitamin D is in your body.

What problems does vitamin D deficiency cause?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones).

Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases:

• In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend. African American infants and children are at higher risk of getting rickets.
• In adults, severe vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia. Osteomalacia causes weak bones, bone pain, and muscle weakness.

How can I get more vitamin D?

There are a few foods that naturally have some vitamin D:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
• Beef liver
• Cheese
• Mushrooms
• Egg yolks

You can also get vitamin D from fortified foods. You can check the food labels to find out whether a food has vitamin D. Foods that often have added vitamin D include:

• Milk
• Breakfast cereals
• Orange juice
• Other dairy products, such as yogurt
• Soy drinks

Vitamin D is in many multivitamins. There are also vitamin D supplements, both in pills and in a liquid for babies.

If you have vitamin D deficiency, the treatment is with supplements. Check with your provider about how much you need to take, how often you need to take it, and how long you need to take it.

Can too much vitamin D be harmful?

Getting too much vitamin D (known as vitamin D toxicity) can be harmful. Signs of toxicity include nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss.

Very high levels of vitamin D can damage the kidneys. It also raises the level of calcium in your blood. High levels of blood calcium (hypercalcemia) can cause confusion, kidney failure, and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Most cases of vitamin D toxicity happen when someone overuses vitamin D supplements. You cannot get too much vitamin D from sun exposure because the skin limits the amount of vitamin D it makes.

• Vitamin D

  (Harvard School of Public Health)

• ClinicalTrials. gov: Vitamin D Deficiency

  (National Institutes of Health)

• Article: Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on (25(OH)D) Status in Children 12-30. ..

• Article: Effect of 12-Week BMI-Based Vitamin D(3) Supplementation in Parkinson’s Disease with…

• Article: Mode of delivery and maternal vitamin D deficiency: an optimized intelligent. ..

• Vitamin D Deficiency — see more articles

9 vitamin D deficiency symptoms (and 10 high vitamin D foods)

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for health. It keeps your bones strong, can improve your mental health and helps you sleep.

According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults are considered low in vitamin D. Symptoms depend on how severe the deficiency is and the person. 

Vitamin D deficiency has become more common over the past several years. The University Health Center occasionally screens for this condition in patients struggling with fatigue, depressive symptoms and bone issues.

Health center provider Sarah Wallingford, PA, shares what vitamin D deficiency looks like – and three ways to overcome it. 

Symptoms when vitamin D is low

Most people with vitamin D deficiency are asymptomatic. However, if you’re exhausted, your bones hurt, you have muscle weakness or mood changes, that’s an indication that something may be abnormal with your body.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:

1. Fatigue
2. Not sleeping well
3. Bone pain or achiness
4. Depression or feelings of sadness
5. Hair loss
6. Muscle weakness
7. Loss of appetite
8. Getting sick more easily
9. Pale skin

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to see a medical professional. They may do a blood test to check your vitamin D levels to see if they are within normal range.  

Get vitamin D from food

5 foods naturally high in vitamin D:

• Fatty fish like salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel
• Canned fish like herring and sardines
• Egg yolks
• Beef liver
• Fish liver

5 vitamin D fortified foods:

• Breakfast cereals 
• Milk 
• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Orange juice 

Since there aren’t a lot of naturally occurring vitamin D foods, many products are enriched with vitamin D. Always check the nutrition label to  ensure there’s vitamin D added.

Get vitamin D from sunlight

When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, your body creates vitamin D.

Make time daily to get out in the sun. If you don’t have classes, work or commitments scheduled that require you to go outside for the day, set aside a few minutes to take a quick walk, even if it’s just around your residence hall or the block. Remember to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy, gloomy days.

If you don’t get regular sunlight, you may need to increase your dietary intake or take a vitamin D supplement.

Take a vitamin D supplement

Most people should be taking a vitamin D supplement, Wallingford says.

Vitamin D has two main forms: D2 and D3. You can absorb both types in your body. Still, studies have shown that vitamin D3 raises your levels more effectively than vitamin D2. For this reason, Wallingford recommends over-the-counter supplements that contain vitamin D3 or taking a cod liver oil supplement. Vitamin D3 supplements can be purchased at the University Health Center pharmacy.

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D for young adults is 600 international units. A doctor may prescribe  a prescription-strength dose of vitamin D if your levels are severely low.

Are vitamin D supplements safe?

Yes. A vitamin D supplement doesn’t cause many adverse effects at recommended doses. What you don’t use, your body usually urinates out, so it’s difficult to overdose on vitamin D unless you are taking massive doses.

Extremely high vitamin D levels are harmful and can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, excessive thirst and kidney stones. Vitamin D supplements can interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor before starting one.

Who is more at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

People with darker skin are much better protected from UV rays but also need to spend more time in the sun than people with lighter skin to produce the same amount of vitamin D. Non-Hispanic Black people generally have higher rates of vitamin D deficiency. The darker your skin, the less vitamin D you make from sunlight exposure. People who are obese, those with osteoporosis, and people with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease are also at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

If you are concerned you have low vitamin D levels and would like to talk to a doctor about it, schedule an appointment at the University Health Center by calling 402. 472.5000.

Why vitamin D deficiency is dangerous and how to diagnose it

home

Health

WHAT IS VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY DANGEROUS AND HOW TO DIAGNOSIS IT

“For most people, vitamin D is linked to the bones—it was given to children as fish oil to prevent rickets, and television ads recommend it to the elderly to protect them from osteoporosis. It turns out that he is valuable, not only for this”

Alexander Melnikov, “Arguments and Facts”

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus minerals, their blood levels and their entry into bone tissue and teeth. Together with vitamin A and calcium or phosphorus, it protects the body from colds, diabetes, eye and skin diseases. It also helps prevent dental caries and gum disease, helps fight osteoporosis, and speeds up the healing of fractures.

Vitamin D determination is used to: Diagnose calcium metabolism disorders (rickets, pregnancy, malnutrition and digestion, hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis).

Vitamin D analysis is performed to diagnose hypo- and beriberi, as well as a number of chronic diseases associated with a lack of this substance in the body. The procedure belongs to general clinical trials.

Why is it important to test for vitamin D?

Vitamin D maintains the level of inorganic phosphorus in the blood, prevents muscle weakness, increases the body’s immunity, affects the cells of the intestines, kidneys and muscles, and is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and heart function.

Vitamin D is essential for the functioning of the thyroid gland and normal blood clotting.

Vitamin D affects the absorption of calcium and magnesium, kidney function, susceptibility to skin diseases and heart disease.

Vitamin D blocks the uncontrolled reproduction of body cells, which makes it effective in the prevention of oncological diseases (cancer of the breast, prostate, colon, pancreas, esophagus, ovaries, uterus, stomach and a number of other tumors).

Main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency/overdose

Vitamin D overdose causes the following symptoms:

• weakness
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• locks
• diarrhea
• sharp pains in the joints
• headaches and muscle pains
• fever
• increased blood pressure
• convulsions
• slow pulse
• shortness of breath
• development of osteoporosis
• bone tissue demineralization
• deposition of calcium salts in organs, impeding their functions

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

In the early stages, vitamin D deficiency manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• loss of appetite
• insomnia
• burning in the mouth and throat
• weight loss
• blurred vision

Further development of osteoporosis is observed. And in children it is rickets, spinal deformities, growth and developmental delay.

How do I get tested for vitamin D?

Vitamin D tests are performed both on doctor’s orders and at the client’s own request. Blood serum serves as a material for laboratory diagnostics. In order to take a blood test, the patient does not require special preparation.

Preparation for the examination

The examination is carried out in the morning, strictly on an empty stomach, i.e. at least 8 hours should elapse between the last meal (preferably at least 12 hours). The day before blood donation, it is necessary to limit the intake of fatty foods, alcohol. Immediately before donating blood, you must refrain from smoking, do not drink juice, tea, coffee (especially with sugar), you can drink water.

• Swiss cheese
• Beef liver
• Beef
• Egg
• Pork
• Milk
• Sardines
• Salmon
• Cod liver oil

The turnaround time for a vitamin D test is 1 day. For more information contact tel. +7 (342) 215-00-68

We recommend that you monitor your health and contact a specialist when the first symptoms are detected, without postponing a visit to the doctor for a long time!

Why vitamin D deficiency is dangerous

2

24 April

Vitamin D deficiency in the body provokes the development of pneumonia twice as often as usual.

This conclusion was made by specialists from an institute in Eastern Finland. Scientists analyzed the medical records of 1,400 Finnish residents aged 53-73 who had pneumonia and found that most patients had very low levels of vitamin D at the time of illness.

In the period from 1998 to 2001, analyzes were taken from patients to measure the level of vitamin D. The researchers also studied materials on incidence for the same period of time. It turned out that people with a lack of vitamin D were 2.5 times more likely to get pneumonia.

Earlier studies suggest that a deficiency of this vitamin seriously weakens the body’s defenses and the immune system. In addition to pneumonia, people with vitamin D deficiency often suffer from seasonal colds.

Finnish researchers note that in the northernmost countries, vitamin D deficiency is common, since in the northern hemisphere cold weather is a daily reality, and the number of sunny days a year is minimal.

Vitamin can be obtained in a “natural” way only in the warm season, and in the remaining months, doctors strongly recommend taking multivitamin complexes that can maintain the required level of trace elements and vitamins in the body. Finnish doctors, for example, recommend that all residents of their country over 60 take at least 20 micrograms of vitamin D every day to maintain immunity.

According to wherewoman.ru

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.