Vitamin D can effectively contribute to the smooth functioning of the immune system and plays an important role in the balance of the body.
The function
In general, vitamin D balances the immune system and has an “immunomodulatory” effect on various cells of the immune system, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), as well as T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, thus modulating both adaptive immune responses. .
In addition to promoting the normal functioning of the immune system, it also regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Getting enough vitamin D is therefore important for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth and for increasing resistance against certain diseases. Without the optimal amount of vitamin D, a person can experience problems such as osteoporosis.
Production
Vitamin D can be obtained through diet or from cholesterol which is synthesized by the incidence of the sun’s UVB rays on the skin, which represent 80% to 90% of the vitamin produced by the body. the shortage of
Vitamin D is considered a global health problem, mainly caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight. About 1 billion people
have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency worldwide, being particularly prevalent among the elderly.
Like most of
vitamin D
present in the body derives from exposure to the sun, some factors can compromise its production, such as spending a lot of time indoors or in the office, living in a highly polluted area, using sunscreen and having dark skin, because the higher the melanin levels, the more the less melanin the skin can absorb. A study published in 2010
in the United States
showed that, overall, 41.6%
of the country’s population had vitamin D deficiency, with the highest rate seen in blacks (82.1%) and Hispanics (69.2%).
Failure and diagnosis
Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium, an element that plays a key role in maintaining bone strength and integrity. Therefore, avoiding vitamin D and calcium deficiencies is key to maintaining bone health and protecting against diseases such as osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak, brittle bones.
Adults with insufficient vitamin D levels may experience tiredness, aches and a general feeling of being unwell. In the most severe cases, a person may experience, in addition to pain in the bones or muscles, a feeling of weakness, difficulty climbing stairs, standing up and walking unsteadily. Stress fractures can still occur, especially in the legs, pelvis, and hips.
Doctors can diagnose vitamin D deficiency by doing a simple blood test. If the person has a disability, the doctor may order an X-ray to check the strength of the bones.
If the diagnosis indicates a deficiency, the doctor may prescribe the daily intake of vitamin D supplements. The person should also try to get more sun exposure and eat foods that can supply the vitamin, such as salmon, sardines, tuna (also box) and eggs.
See also:
Calcium essential for health
Other positive effects
In addition to the positive effects widely accepted by science, vitamin D can provide other improvements for people with normal levels. For example:
- Fighting disease – Studies published in 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, in 2008 in Circulation Trusted Source and another in 2010 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition point out that, by reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis, vitamin D it decreases a person’s chance of developing heart disease and also helps reduce the likelihood of developing the flu.
- Depression – Research has shown that vitamin D may play an important role in regulating mood and preventing depression. Scientists have noticed an improvement in the conditions of people with depression who received vitamin D supplements.
In another study of people with fibromyalgia, researchers found that vitamin D deficiency was more common in people who also suffered from anxiety and depression.
- Weight Loss – In one study, people who took a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement lost more weight than those who took a placebo. Scientists have stated that the extra calcium and vitamin D have an appetite suppressing effect. In another study, overweight people who took a daily vitamin D supplement improved their heart disease risk markers.
Side effects
It is common to hear that the difference between medicine and poison lies in the dosage. This also applies to excess vitamin D in the body, which can cause the following side effects:
- toxicity – High levels of vitamin D are considered potentially harmful. Symptoms of toxicity have been reported at extremely high blood levels resulting from megadoses.
- High level of football – Taking too much vitamin D can lead to excessive absorption of calcium and increase its presence in the blood, which can cause various symptoms such as indigestion (vomiting, nausea and stomach pain), stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness and confusion, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.
- Bone Loss – Although Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption, high levels can cause bone loss by interfering with calcium activity. vitamin K2.
- Kidney damage – Excess vitamin D and resulting toxicity can cause kidney damage in people with healthy kidneys, as well as those with established kidney disease.
Sources:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/204651
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
