Importance of Vitamin D and Preventing Its Deficiency

As it is known, in order to function smoothly, the human body requires numerous nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and so on. Out of all these nutrients, one of the most essential ones is vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin. It is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because your skin synthesizes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight.

Sources of vitamin D

Although your body creates vitamin D on being exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun, there are certain factors which play a role in this. These include the time of the day and the amount of time you expose your skin, your age, skin tone, and the season among many others. Apart from this, vitamin D can be found in a few foods naturally. These include fatty fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel and so on; fish liver oil, red meat, cheese, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified milk. Vitamin D can also be consumed using supplements. It is vital that the intake of the vitamin is as per the prescribed amount. Vitamin D, if taken in excess, may turn toxic over time as it is fat soluble and stored in the liver & fat tissues.

Importance of vitamin D

One of the most crucial roles of vitamin D is to help your body in absorbing calcium and phosphate. The vitamin is also essential in helping your body fight against infections, your nerves to transmit messages, and your muscles to move. Research studies have shown that vitamin D regulates mood and helps in improving the symptoms of those suffering from depression as well. Certain research studies have also suggested that vitamin D can help in preventing various forms of cancer such as colon, prostate, and breast cancer; type 1 and type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure among many others. These studies are, however, still in their preliminary stage, or under debate, and require more time to confirm their findings.

Importance of preventing vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to multiple body conditions such as osteoporosis and rickets. Osteoporosis occurs in adults due to the lack of absorption of calcium, normally promoted by vitamin D. It is a condition in which the bones are extremely brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to fractures. Rickets, which occurs in children, is a condition in which children’s bones become soft and weak. The disease leads to bone pain, stunted growth, and in some cases, skeletal deformities as well.

Some symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include excessive fatigue, recurring illness, hair loss, frequent bone fractures, muscle pain, and back pain. Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented or detected through vitamin D screenings, which are provided by our physicians and providers at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic. Our clinics provide facilities such as same day appointments, walk-in care, urgent care, family doctors, and our clinics function on Saturdays as well. In case you observe the mentioned symptoms in you, or your family members, reach out to any one of our five clinics, and we will provide you with the medical care needed.

• Prev
• Next