Vitamin D Role in Human Body

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The term vitamin D is defined as a group of compounds that are cholesterol derivatives with a similar chemical structure. It is produced in the human body and passes through many stages of synthesis. Vitamin D affects our body through the immune, muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. It is very important to maintain normal levels of vitamin D in the blood and supplement it in the case of shortfalls. The human body produces vitamin D as a response to sun exposure. A person can also boost their vitamin D intake through certain foods or supplements. Vitamin D Role is essential for several reasons, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It may also protect against a range of diseases and conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin D

A recent study shows High Vitamin D levels reduce COVID infection.

Vitamin D Role :

  • Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body. It assists in,
  • Promoting healthy bones and teeth.
  • Supporting immune, brain, and nervous system health.
  • Regulating insulin levels and supporting diabetes management.
  • Supporting lung function and cardiovascular health.
  • Influencing the expression of genes involved in cancer development.

Vitamin D Benefits:

  • Healthy bones:

Vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating calcium and maintaining phosphorus levels in the blood. These factors are vital for maintaining healthy bones.

People need vitamin D to allow the intestines to stimulate and absorb calcium and reclaim calcium that the kidneys would otherwise excrete.

Vitamin D deficiency in children can cause rickets, which leads to a severely bow-legged appearance due to the softening of the bones.

Similarly, in adults, vitamin D deficiency manifests as osteomalacia or softening of the bones. Osteomalacia results in poor bone density and muscular weakness.

A vitamin D deficiency can also present as osteoporosis, for which over 53 million people in the United States either seek treatment or face an increased risk.

  • Reduced risk of flu:

A 2018 review of existing research suggested that some studies had found that vitamin D had a protective effect against the influenza virus.

However, the authors also looked at other studies where vitamin D did not have this effect on flu and flu risk. Further research is, therefore, necessary to confirm the protective effect of vitamin D on the flu.

  • Healthy infants:

Vitamin D deficiency has links to high blood pressure in children. One 2018 study found a possible connection between low vitamin D levels and stiffness in the arterial walls of children.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) suggests that evidence points to a connection between low vitamin D exposure and an increased risk of allergic sensitization.

  • Healthy pregnancy:

A 2019 review suggests that pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D may have a greater risk of developing preeclampsia and giving birth preterm. Doctors also associate poor vitamin D status with gestational diabetes and bacterial vaginitis in pregnant women.

In a 2013 study, researchers associated high vitamin D levels during pregnancy with an increased risk of food allergy in the child during the first 2 years of life.

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Vitamin D Role in Human Body 3

Vitamin D Deficiency:

Although the body can create vitamin D, a deficiency can occur for many reasons.

Skin type: Darker skin, for example, and sunscreen, reduce the body’s ability to absorb the ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) rays from the sun. Absorbing sunlight is essential for the skin to produce vitamin D.

Sunscreen: A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 can reduce the body’s ability to synthesize the vitamin by 95% or more. Covering the skin with clothing can inhibit vitamin D production also.

Geographical location: People who live in northern latitudes or areas of high pollution, work night shifts, or are homebound should aim to consume vitamin D from food sources whenever possible.

Breastfeeding: Infants who exclusively breastfeed need a vitamin D supplement, especially if they have dark skin or have minimal sun exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed infants receive 400 international units per day of oral vitamin D.

Symptoms: Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:

  • Regular sickness or infection
  • Fatigue
  • Bone and back pain
  • Low mood
  • Impaired wound healing
  • Hair loss
  • Muscle pain

If Vitamin D deficiency continues for long periods, it may result in complications. Such as:

  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Autoimmune problems
  • Neurological diseases
  • Infections
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Certain cancers, especially breast, prostate, and colon.

Sources of vitamin D:

Getting sufficient sunlight is the best way to help the body produce enough vitamin D. Plentiful food sources of vitamin D include:

  • Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
  • Egg yolks
  • Cheese
  • Beef liver
  • Mushrooms
  • Fortified milk
  • Fortified cereals and juices

Vitamin D Dosage:

People can measure vitamin D intake in micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU). One microgram of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU. The recommended daily intakes of vitamin D are as follows:

  • Infants 0–12 months: 400 IU (10 mcg).
  • Children 1–18 years: 600 IU (15 mcg).
  • Adults up to 70 years: 600 IU (15 mcg).
  • Adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg).
  • Pregnant or lactating women: 600 IU (15 mcg).

Sensible sun exposure on bare skin for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times per week, allows most people to produce sufficient vitamin D. However, vitamin D breaks down quite quickly, meaning that stores can run low, especially in winter.

Vitamin D Risks:

Excessive consumption of vitamin D can lead to over calcification of bones and the hardening of blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, and heart tissues. The most common symptoms of excessive vitamin D include headache and nausea. However, too much vitamin D can also lead to the following:

  1. Loss of appetite
  2. Dry mouth
  3. A metallic taste
  4. Vomiting
  5. Constipation
  6. Diarrhea

Excess vitamin D usually occurs from taking too many supplements. It is best to get vitamin D from natural sources. If someone is taking supplements, they should choose their brand carefully, as the FDA does not monitor the safety or purity of supplements. There is a selection of vitamin D supplements available for purchase online. It is the total diet and eating pattern that is most important in disease prevention and good health. It is better to eat a diet with a variety of nutrients than to concentrate on one nutrient as the key to good health.

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One Response

  1. Satish kalra July 10, 2021

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