What to do if you suspect vitamin D deficiency and why you shouldn’t take it without a doctor?

Vitamin D is one of the most studied substances in our body. Research points to its importance not only for bone metabolism, but also for the correlation with other organs and tissues. In total, there are five varieties of this vitamin (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5), but only vitamins D2 and D3 are used in supplements. It is generally accepted that the latter is better absorbed.

Vitamin D deficiency leads to decreased strength and muscle mass, metabolic disorders, tendency to cardiovascular disease, bone fragility, diabetes mellitus, frequent colds, poor sleep and a number of others associated diseases. Recent studies have shown the effect of vitamin D on insulin secretion in beta cells and the pancreas, as well as on blood sugar levels (and therefore on the potential risk of diabetes).

– pain in muscles, bones;

– cramps of the tongue, lips, fingers, spasms of the hands, feet and facial muscles (rachitic titanium);

– bone weakness (fractures even with minimal trauma).

In children:

– closure of the fontanelle after the set time;

– softness of the bones of the skull;

– particular structure of the skull and chest;

– late development

– in adolescence, pain when walking;

– X-shaped curvature of the legs.

Vitamin deficiency in children and adults leads to serious complications.

– old people ;

– breastfed babies;

– people with swarthy skin;

– people with liver disease and certain other diseases;

– overweight people;

– people with reduced sensitivity to vitamin D;

– vegetarians;

– people who follow a dairy-free diet;

– people with inflammatory bowel disease, in whom the absorption function is reduced;

– People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

The list is very long, which is why, with normal health, doctors recommend having tests at least twice a year.

In order to determine the level of vitamin D in the blood, the doctor prescribes a special blood test. International indicators of the vitamin norm in analyzes are 50-70 ng/ml. Many laboratories list 30 ng/ml as the lower limit of normal. But the ideal indicators should always tend towards 70 ng/ml. In pregnant women, the indicators should not fall below 60 ng/ml!

If you are deficient in vitamin D, be sure to include in your diet:

– certain types of fish (salmon, tuna);

– Liver of beef;

– corn oil;

– mushrooms;

– eggs;

– cheese.

It is difficult to get the required amount of vitamin D directly from food. With its low levels in the analyses, doctors usually prescribe special drop supplements. The most effective and effective remedy are vitamin D injections, which are given over a period of 4-8 months.

Again, I draw your attention to the fact that both supplements and injections must be prescribed by a doctor, based on test results. A number of concomitant tests are also usually prescribed (male and female hormones, iron, feritin and hemoglobin glycirovonrgo, which shows the level of insulin over the past 2-3 months). At best, self-treatment will not bring results, at worst it can turn into an overdose of vitamin D, which affects almost all vital organs.

Overdose can occur when taking large doses of medications and dietary supplements. Its performance starts at a concentration of 100 nmol/l, a dangerous concentration is 200 nmol/l! Such situations most often arise in childhood, when vitamin D is taken to prevent rickets (especially in combination with taking fish oil preparations).

It should also be taken into account that vitamin D accumulates in fatty tissue and therefore enters the bloodstream slowly. Because of this, the toxic effect can last up to several months.

The daily vitamin D requirement for women and men aged 18-50 is at least 600-800 IU.

For people over 50 – at least 800-1000 IU.

For pregnant women – 800-1200 IU.

In certain diseases and ailments of the body, it is shown to be taken in doses that can be several times higher than our daily needs. A detailed admission plan must be drawn up by a doctor!

If when taking you experience headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure, you should stop taking it and seek the advice of a specialist.

Doctors around the world today are on the agenda not only to prolong the life of patients, but also to maximize its quality. Part of being healthy and feeling good is getting used to getting tested regularly. And in case of deviations in their indicators, with the help of specialists, quickly bring them back to normal. Try doing it strictly twice a year for the next few years and you will see how the quality of your life will improve dramatically.