Vitamin D deficiency

Today we are going to learn about the effects of vitamin D deficiency. About 80 percent of people are deficient in this vitamin.

Sources of Vitamin D

Natural:

Sunlight (UV-B rays) converts your vitamin D into vitamin D if you are exposed to enough. It is transported to the body’s cells and liver.

Other sources :

• tuna herring
• cheeses
• cod liver oil
• Milk, soy milk, soy oat meals, mushrooms

Benefits of Vitamin D

• Strengthens bones
• Strengthening of teeth
• Increases muscle strength
• Increases immunity
• Prevents cancer

Deficiency symptoms

• Fatigue, body aches, muscle aches
• Body feels low energy
• Heart problems, blood pressure, joint pain
• Depression, mood swings Bones become loose, fractures early,
• Laziness, forgetfulness

Diagnosis

• D – vitamin / 25 (04) level check (normal level: 30 to 100)
• Blood tests (normal levels: 30 to 50 ng/milligrams)
• 5 ng/mL: Very low
• 5 to 10: Critical condition
• 10 to 20 : Severe deficiency
• 20 to 30: Slightly better condition
• 30 to 50 : Moderate conditions
• 50 to 70: Good condition
• 70 to 80 : Some effects appear (headache, vomiting, effects on kidneys)

Other checks

• Dexa scan, serum calcium phosphate
• Normal daily requirement of vitamin D.

How much is required?

• 1 Newborn to 1 year : 400 (International Unit per day)
• 21 to 13 years : 600 (International Unit per day)
• 3 14 to 18 years : 600 (International Unit per day)
• 8 Pregnancy / Lactation : 600 (International Units per day)
• 5 Old age (70 years) : 800 (international units per day)

Treatment

• Take early morning sun rays.
• Vitamin D tablets (in sachet or liquid form available).
• Doses are as needed weekly, monthly or daily.
• Injections are also available for acute deficiency.