What is Vitamin D & Why is it Essential
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid. the major forms of vitamin-D are classified as Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) and Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) accountable for the absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and many other biological effects in the body. In simple terms, it is essential for your bone density, growth, development, and quality.
How Much Vitamin D Do We Need
The daily intake should be around 400-800 IU per day or 10-20 micrograms based on the U.S national academy of Medicine recommendations.
The data further suggests taking 4000 IU (International units) is safe for some individuals and at times taking higher doses is temporarily safe in order to raise blood levels in a few individuals.
What is Vitamin D Deficiency & What Causes it?
Lack of Vitamin D in the body results in Vitamin D deficiency (a.k.a. Hypovitaminosis D). It is a very common condition but many people are not aware. The main reasons are:
1. Inadequate intake of vitamin D through food
2. Inadequate or poor exposure to sunlight
3. Applying large quantities of sunscreen
4. Staying in a highly polluted area
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
6. Aged people above 65 years
7. Living at a high latitude
8. Sedentary lifestyle
9. Dark skin
10. Obesity
The above causes may further result in rickets (seen in children), osteomalacia (softening of the bones) osteoporosis (reduced density and quality of the bone), and muscle weakness in adults eventually increasing the risk of bone fractures.
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
1. Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
2. Falling sick and frequent infections
3. Osteoporosis or bone fractures
4. Hypertension/Hypotension
5. Frequent lower back pain
6. Pale skin and dark circles
7. Sweating of the hands
8. Digestive problems
9. Loss of appetite
10. Muscle pain
11. Tiredness
12. Join pains
13. Hair loss
14. Dry skin
Management and Treatment
Treatment is simple and easy to fix. Below are the simple methods to beat vitamin-D deficiency:
a. Expose your Body to Sunlight: Ultraviolet B rays from the sun is the best source of it. Try to stay in the sunlight for 20-30 minutes without applying sunscreen between 11 am to 1 pm since this is the best time for essential Vitamin D.
b. Eat Vitamin-D Rich Food: Natural Vitamin-D sources include liver, eggs, beef liver, cheese, fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, etc.
c. Take Enough Calcium: Calcium and Vitamin-d work together and help the bones to become stronger. This is why we should include calcium in our diet, the rich sources of calcium are dairy products, leafy vegetables, fish, tofu, almonds, beans, lentils, and whey protein.
d. Take Vitamin-D Supplements: Few people may not get enough Vitamin D though they try the above processes. Therefore, it is suggested to take supplements but only under the advice/observation of a physician or a health care professional.
e. Daily Exercise: Researchers have also found that regular exercises such as jogging, running, and playing basketball may increase the levels of it.