The body needs nutrients in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones and teeth. It is fat-soluble (it dissolves in fats and oils) and can be found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. Vitamin D can be produced by the skin that is exposed to sunlight. Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin D may help control infection and reduce inflammation. In addition, many organs and tissues in the body have vitamin D receptors, which play important roles beyond bone health.
Vitamin deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough vitamin D. It is mostly responsible for problems with your bones and muscles. Vitamin D is a nutrient that your body requires for normal bone development and preservation. It is also important for the neurological, musculoskeletal, and immune systems, musculoskeletal system, and immune systems.
Its deficiency can occur when a person does not consume enough vitamin D or if their skin’s ability to make it from sunlight is compromised. Deficiency can also occur when the body is unable to absorb the vitamin or convert it to its active form in the liver and kidneys.
Vitamin D is required for a variety of biological activities. Some vitamin D is obtained from dietary sources, but most are obtained from sun exposure. After it is absorbed, the body must convert it into its active form.
Vitamin-D Deficiency Causes
- Diet: – People who do not consume enough vitamin D-rich foods, such as fortified dairy products and cereals, may have low levels.
- Smoking: – Deficiency levels are higher in smokers. Some experts believe that smoking may disrupt the gene that initiates the production of vitamin D in the body.
- Skin type: – People with darker skin need more sun exposure than people with lighter skin to manufacture Vitamin D. People with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer should avoid sun exposure to protect their skin.
- Living factors: – Some people spend little time outside because of jobs, illness, lack of outdoor space in their community, or other circumstances. Whether for sun protection or for cultural or religious reasons, they may be at higher risk of deficiency.
- Certain medicines: – Some medicines reduce the body’s ability to absorb or make vitamin D. These include steroids and some cholesterol-lowering drugs.
- Weight loss surgery:- Bariatric surgery is a concern because after gastric bypass there is a lack of calcium in the diet and this can lead to bone disease. This increases the chances of Vitamin D deficiency.
- Obesity: – According to research, its level also decreases in obese people or those who have a high body mass index. This association may be due to how body fat affects the absorption of vitamin D. Obese people spend less time outdoors due to mobility concerns.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
- Bone pain.
- Loss of hair.
- Appetite loss.
- Muscle fatigue.
- Skin tone is light.
- Sleeping problems.
- Getting sick more frequently.
- Mood changes, such as depression.
Treatment
- To maintain an appropriate vitamin D level in your body, you may also find it helpful to eat more vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products.
- If a blood test shows that a person is or is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, they will advise you to increase your intake after consulting a doctor.
- You should try to get more sunlight.
- The amount of vitamin D a person needs depends on factors including age, diet, and health conditions.
Conclusion
Vitamin D is essential for the proper health of the body. Many people have vitamin D levels below the recommended level for optimal health. Vitamin D is mostly obtained by UVB radiation worldwide in the form of sunlight and dermal vitamin D production. Revised recommended dietary intake levels for vitamin D, which are needed to be advised to patients and physicians alike.
