Vitamin D deficiency causes and treatment

 

Vitamin D deficiency causes and treatment

Adequate, but not, amounts of vitamin D should be obtained because it keeps the human body functioning well.

Vitamin D works to strengthen bones and help prevent some types of cancer.

One of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is muscle weakness in the body which causes pain, fatigue, and depression.

You must get enough vitamin D from foods, supplements, and exposure to sunlight.

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What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency means that we do not have enough vitamin D in our bodies.

Vitamin D is unique because it is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight.

Where people with light skin acquire vitamin D better than people with dark skin, and thus younger people are more and better acquire vitamin D than adults who are over 50 years old.

Why is vitamin D so important?

 

Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that the body needs for good health. Vitamin D has several functions, including:

• Maintains bone strength: Strong and healthy bones protect the body from any diseases that may affect it, such as rickets. It results from a lack of vitamin D in the body. You need vitamin D along with the use of calcium and phosphorous to build bones.

• Calcium absorption: Vitamin D, along with calcium, helps build bones, strength, and health. Weak bones lead to osteoporosis and make them thin, and this leads to fractures.

• Working with the Parathyroid glands: The parathyroid glands are constantly working to balance calcium in the blood by communicating with the kidneys, intestines, and skeleton.

What are the sources of vitamin D?

• Exposure to the sun, about 15-20 minutes three days a week.
• Get vitamin D from the foods you eat.
• Get vitamin D by taking supplements.

Negative health effects of vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D helps maintain the health of your body as it protects it from the following conditions and helps treat them:

• High blood pressure and heart disease.
• diabetes.
• Immune system disorders.
• Cancer injuries such as colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
• Multiple sclerosis.

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Causes of Vitamin D deficiency

Diet: Because we do not eat enough foods rich in vitamin D, such as dairy products and fortified cereals, we have low vitamin D levels.

Life habits: Some of us do not spend much time in the fresh air and sun due to the lack of outdoor spaces.

 For this reason, the exposure time of our bodies to sunlight is short. We are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency.

Geographical factors: People who live in certain parts of northern Canada and Alaska, do not get much exposure to the sun's UV rays, especially in winter.
 Even those who live in a hot climate are prone to vitamin D deficiency because they try to avoid the hot sun and prefer to stay at home.

Pollution: Those who live in areas prone to pollution may also be more likely to spend time indoors.

Medicines: such as steroids, reduce the body's ability to absorb vitamin D. These steroids include cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Smoking: It appears that the lack of vitamin D in smokers is higher than in others.

Obesity: Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is higher in obese people than in others. Because they spend less time outdoors due to less movement.

Kidney and Liver Health: People with liver disease are exposed to vitamin D deficiency more than others.

Pregnancy: Women need vitamin D during pregnancy, and it is best to get it from nature and from some supplements because it reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and low birth weight.

Breastfeeding: Breast milk is low in vitamin D, and breastfed infants are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

It may not produce any symptoms, and it may appear after years. This causes health problems in the long run.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to:

Osteoporosis: Bones become thin or brittle. It breaks easily as a result of minor injury. It affects the elderly more.

Osteomalacia: It affects children. Bones are soft, and this leads to short stature, dental problems, and pain when walking.

 

Vitamin D deficiency treatment

An individual's specific need for vitamin D depends on various factors, such as age, UV exposure, diet, and health status.

If a blood test shows that a person has a vitamin D deficiency or is at risk of developing it, it is normal for the doctor to advise him to take it.
Take supplements 

Some of us may need to take supplements, but they must be prescribed by a doctor, as they have harmful effects.

Foods sources of vitamin D

Foods that are a food source of Vitamin D:

• Fish, mackerel, or salmon.
• Beef liver.
• cheese.
• Mushroom.
• eggs.
• Fortified cereals.
• margarine.

Tips to avoid vitamin D deficiency

Healthy body weight: We maintain it through cycling, walking, exercise, and exposure to sunlight.

Treatment of medical conditions: Treatment of those suffering from health conditions that lead to vitamin D deficiency and absorption.

Prevention is better than cure:

We must take care of vitamin D by eating healthy foods.

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