What Is Vitamin D And Why Does The Body Need It?
Vitamin D takes a special position among the vitamins.
Vitamin D can be produced from precursors that already exist in the body.
The body’s own production of Vitamin D is triggered by sunshine on the skin (UVB light exposure).
This makes a much bigger contribution to the human body’s supply with this vitamin compared to vitamin D intake by diet.
Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphate metabolism, thereby promoting hardening of the bone.
Additionally, vitamin D is involved in other metabolic processes of the body and also has an influence on muscle power & boost immune system
How Much Vitamin D Does The Human Body Need And How Can The Vitamin D Supply Be Determined?
Reference value for vitamin D intake is 20 micrograms per day -if the body does not produce any by itself.
If a person stays outdoors regularly - the body’s own (endogenous) production in the skin accounts for 80 to 90 percent of the vitamin D supply.
Vitamin D intake in diet only accounts for a relatively low proportion (10 to 20 percent) of the vitamin D supply.
A vitamin D deficiency is defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of < 30 nanomol per litre of serum (30 nmol/l).
What Problems Can Arise From A Vitamin D Deficiency?
A severe deficiency of the vitamin can cause :
-the disease rickets in children –
- condition known as osteomalacia in adults,
both of which result in soft, thin, and fragile bones.
A lack of vitamin D has also been linked to other conditions, including cancer, asthma, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type I diabetes.
What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin D Supplements?
Helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen bones.
Helps form teeth and bones.
Supplements can reduce the number of nonvertebral fractures.
What Is The Difference Between Vitamin D And D3?
Look at the label on any bottle of vitamin D and you’ll likely see vitamin D-3 listed as the primary ingredient.
That’s because multiple forms of the vitamin exist, and D-3 is most common for use in supplements. Once they’re inside your body, all forms of vitamin D have the same effect.
What Beverages Are Good In Vitamin D?
There are certain drinks that are fortified with vitamin D. One such drink is orange juice.
Yes, orange juice has many health promoting nutrients and vitamin D is one of them. Always opt for homemade fresh orange juice to avoid any adulteration or artificial additives
How Can Vitamin D Be Acquired Naturally?
Foods that provide vitamin D include:
- Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon.
- Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.
- Beef liver.
- Cheese.
- Egg yolks.
How Long Does It Take To Correct A Vitamin D Deficiency?
The treatment dose of vitamin D depends on your age, How low your blood vitamin D level is, and What is causing the level to be low.
Most often doctors will lower the vitamin D dose after six to eight weeks of treatment. Keep the patient on this lower “maintenance” dose for as long as required.
What Are The Side Effects Of Vitamin D?
Most people do not commonly experience side effects with vitamin D, unless too much is taken.
Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and others.; in such case contact doctor immediately
What Is Vitamin D Listed As On A Blood Test?
A vitamin D blood test measures the level of 25(OH)D in human blood. Abnormal levels of vitamin D can indicate bone disorders, nutrition problems, organ damage, or other medical conditions. Other names of tests: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D.
What Is A Normal Vitamin D Level?
The most accurate way to measure vitamin D is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test.
A level of 20 nanograms/milliliter to 50 ng/mL is considered adequate for healthy people. A level less than 12 ng/mL indicates vitamin D deficiency.