Vitamin D is a required nutrient that plays a role in multiple aspects of our health, including our bones, teeth, immune system, and more. Yet, despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is quite common, especially in the winter when we don't get as much sun exposure.
Most people can get the vitamin D they need by spending a moment in the sun and taking supplements. However, for some people, supplementation may not be enough, and they may need to receive vitamin D injections. Online chemist has a wide range of Vitamin D products available, so you can easily find the one that best suits your needs.
This post will examine everything you need to know about vitamin D, including its benefits, how to get enough of it, and what to do if you are deficient.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a vital vitamin for human health. Some foods contain trace amounts, but people may synthesize most of their vitamin D from sunshine.
Vitamin D has a variety of health benefits, such as:
- Helping the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus
- Maintaining strong bones and teeth
- Regulating cell growth
- Improving immune function
- Reducing inflammation
Vitamin D is not just different from other vitamins; it's also unique. Vitamin D is transformed into calcitriol, a hormone that makes the bones in the body take up calcium when it digests it.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Common Symptoms
- The bones of the lower leg may be uncomfortable under mild pressure. The lower back, hips, pelvic region, thighs, and feet are all common sites of bone discomfort.
- Muscle weakness may make climbing stairs or getting up from the floor or a low chair difficult and cause the person to shuffle when walking.
- Higher chances of developing diabetes, heart problems, some cancers, and possibly weight gain.
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Depression
- Impaired wound healing
- Hair loss
Who is Vulnerable to Vitamin D Deficiency?
1. If you live in a relatively dark environment, for example, if you:
- Spend most of your time indoors
- Have dark skin
- Wear clothing that covers your skin when you're outdoors
2. Older people with older skin, particularly those over 65 years old, may not make as much vitamin D as younger individuals.
3. Women who are pregnant or nursing, especially adolescents and young women
4. Children under five years old
5. A variety of medical conditions also influence vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency can be induced by Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, and several types of liver and kidney disorders.
6. Various medications can also cause vitamin D insufficiency. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates, and certain anti-HIV medicines are examples of this.
What is the Treatment for Vitamin D Insufficiency?
Vitamin D insufficiency is generally treated with vitamin supplements. However, if your physician finds that you have a deficit, they may prescribe the following treatments.
Food sources
Vitamin D is present in foods but is usually only available in tiny dosages. Thus dietary sources are unlikely to meet your needs.
Vitamin D is found in oily fish (such as kippers, sardines, mackerel, trout, and salmon), meat, and eggs.
Vitamin D is added to a few meals, including margarine and low-fat spreads, breakfast cereals, powdered milk, dairy products, and soy foodstuffs.
Vitamin D Supplements
If you fall into an at-risk category, your doctor may prescribe a daily dose of 10 to 25 micrograms (400 - 1000 IU) of vitamin D unless they advise you otherwise.
You must not already be taking vitamin D in another form, such as a calcium or cod liver oil multi-vitamin combination — so double-check labels. Speak to online pharmacy UK if you're unsure about the product you're taking.
Vitamin D Tests
A simple blood test can assist in identifying whether you have a vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D in your blood is present in two forms:
- 25-hydroxyvitamin D
- 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D
The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most frequent Vitamin D testing. This is because calcidiol has higher amounts and stays in your blood for longer, making it simpler to detect.
You may also obtain a home test requiring a simple finger prick for a tiny blood sample. These tests are painless and convenient to do, but you'll want the assistance of an expert if the results confound you.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
It might be difficult to tell if you have a vitamin D deficiency because the symptoms may be subtle. Furthermore, it is possible to have a vitamin D deficit without any signs of deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency is a very common disease, affecting all ages and demographics. If you have any worrying symptoms, particularly risk factors, speak with your doctor about getting tested for vitamin D insufficiency.
Your doctor may be able to determine other causes for some of the symptoms you're experiencing if they have experience in your condition.
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The Bottom Line
Vitamin D is essential for multiple functions in the body, including maintaining strong bones and teeth, immunity, and proper cell growth. A vitamin D deficiency can cause a variety of problems and symptoms.
If you think you might have a vitamin D deficiency, speak with your doctor about getting tested. If you are deficient, treatment is typical with vitamin D supplements. You may also be able to increase your vitamin D intake by making sure you get enough sunlight and eating foods that contain the vitamin. Online chemist has a wide variety of supplements available. So you can buy vitamin D online from the comfort of your home and have it delivered right to your door.
