Vitamin D Deficiency:

Vitamin D is part of the various essential nutrients that help the body function normally. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained in a variety of ways. The most popular way of obtaining vitamin D is through exposure to the sun, but there are also several foods that can help to give you an adequate amount of this nutrient. Then there are supplements that you can take when you feel like you are not getting enough vitamin D.

Even though there are several sources for vitamin D, there is still a relatively large number of people who seem to be suffering from vitamin D deficiency. In the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, it was found that about 41.6% of the US population may be suffering from a deficiency in vitamin D.

The Function Of Vitamin D In Your Body

Vitamin D acts as both a vitamin and a type of hormone in the human body. The nutrient has several important functions to play and is critical for the formation of bone tissue. Vitamin that assists the body in the maintenance of normal phosphorus and calcium levels.

There is some recent evidence that also suggests adequate vitamin D intake might play a role in reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases, as well as hypertension and osteoporosis.

The vitamin has also been found to assist in the production of certain antibodies. These antibodies play an important role in helping the immune system fight against disease and microorganisms that may be seen as pathogenic compounds.

Apart from these functions, there has also been evidence presented that vitamin D may play a role in the maintenance of both muscle and joint health. The vitamin also seems to play a role in the prostate gland amongst men, as well as in breast tissue amongst women. Mental health, with a particular focus on mood, is yet another element that seems to be affected by vitamin D.

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is an important step in reducing the risk of experiencing complications due to a lack of this particular nutrient in the body. There are several potential symptoms that may signal a deficiency in vitamin D.

• A constant feeling of tiredness and frequently experiencing fatigue is considered a very common sign that there is not enough vitamin D in the body.
• Due to the potential impact of vitamin D on mood and the mind, depression is another symptom that has been associated with a lack of vitamin D.
• Hair loss is another sign that there might be a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. This is especially a common symptom of vitamin D deficiency in women.
• Vitamin D has a role to play in muscle health. In one study, patients with chronic pain were monitored, and vitamin D levels in their blood were tested. It was found that 71% of these individuals with chronic muscle pain suffered a deficiency of vitamin D.

• Another sign of vitamin D deficiency might be impaired wound healing. When levels of this vitamin become low, it could cause problems with the formation of new skin while a wound heals.

Best Way To Increase Vitamin D Levels

When there is a vitamin D deficiency, it is important to learn how to increase levels of this nutrient in the body to reduce the adverse effects the condition has.

One of the best ways to boost levels of vitamin D naturally is to get some exposure to the sun daily. It is important to understand that excessive exposure to the sun can be damaging. Limiting exposure to about 15 to 20 minutes each day can help to ensure the skin produces an adequate amount of vitamin D without causing sunburn or other potential issues with the skin.

Sun exposure is not the only source of vitamin D. There are several natural sources of vitamin D.

Some of the best foods that can be included in a diet in order to increase the daily intake of vitamin D include:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Herring
• Cod liver oil
• Oysters
• Canned tuna
• Egg yolks
• Shrimp
• Mushrooms

There are also several fortified foods on the market that contains added vitamin D. These can help to increase the intake of vitamin D as well. Many kinds of cereal are fortified with this particular vitamin, including some brands of oatmeal. There are also certain countries where cow’s milk and soy milk will contain fortified vitamin D.

Additionally, it is also possible to obtain vitamin D in the form of a dietary supplement. While these can be useful, it is generally advised to prioritize obtaining vitamin D in a natural way – through sun exposure and, of course, by consuming more foods that contain vitamin D.

Conclusion

The body needs vitamin D to maintain healthy bones, to assist in the absorption of calcium, and for a number of other functions. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to several potential adverse effects on the body. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to ensure you gain enough of this vitamin each day.

REBOOT

If you’re feeling tired and rundown, then you may be lacking in Vitamin D. Certain groups are more at risk of a Vitamin D deficiency, but it seems that our current lifestyles have left us all more susceptible and in need of an added boost. At Roshni Clinic we go through you medical history and are able to administer high dose Vitamin D for those that are suitable.

Enquire now on 0333 050 7138 or email info@roshniclinic.co.uk for further information. Services available in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester.

References

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6075634/

https://medlineplus.gov/vitamind.html

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2010/february2010/otcfocusvitamind-0210

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26543719

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26998791

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428658

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24730754