Vitamin D Deficiency – Global Awareness
Although it is extremely important for effective immunity, vitamin D deficiency is recorded in almost half of the people on the planet. It is obvious that global awareness about vitamin D benefits is still undeveloped.
In this way, let’s hope that we will as soon as possible be able to react to the first symptoms of vitamin D deficiency but not before we can convince ourselves of the enormous influence of vitamin D in our lives and when we observe stunning facts that are apparent with the vitamin D low levels.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
The first scientific description of vitamin D deficiency was recorded in the 17th century. This was about rickets; bone disease in children directly caused by it and it one among the first symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can vary, but here are some of serious diseases:
- Rickets
- Osteoporosis
- Osteomalacia
- Leg Cramps
- Cancer
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis
Vitamin D is obviously an essential nutritient for a human organism and first signs of vitamin D deficiency should be taken very seriously.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults
Half of all adults, especially those in the north, have signs of vitamin D deficiency in winter and spring, while one of 6 has a serious deficiency of this vitamin. This vitamin deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, various forms of cancer and soft bone condition called osteomalacia, all very common and serious diseases in adults.
Vitamin D provides the necessary body support and protection while participating in the regulation of metabolism of essential minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus. A large number of diseases and conditions can lead to the reduced bone mass. Lack of vitamin D can cause or affect the clinical course of metabolic bone diseases, especially expressed in adults.
The combination of high blood pressure and lack of vitamin D can be deadly. In one study, people who had hypertension and vitamin D deficiency had twice the risk of heart attack than other people in the study. Lack of this vitamin is not associated with cardiovascular problems in those without hypertension.
Exposure to sunlight stimulates production of vitamin D, but it should be kept in mind the protection from developing skin cancer. Also, adults should balance the diet and begin to consume more food rich in vitamin D.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for adults is 5 mcg or 200 IU, and a maximum allowable daily intake for healthy adults, according is 10 mcg or 400 IU.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Women
Extra consumption of vitamin D is recommended for women in the menopausal period and premenopausal period to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis development. Additional consumption of calcium with vitamin D may not only prevent further loss of bone mass, but it can even strengthen bone mass. Vitamin D is important to be taken together with calcium because it regulates the absorption of important minerals
After menopause, most women gain in weight until they are in their middle sixties. There is evidence, however, that taking vitamin D and calcium can slow the increase in body weight.
Pregnant women with low levels vitamin D have a higher chance of getting bacterial vaginosis – the usual vaginal infection that increases the risk of premature birth.
It is believed that the role of vitamin D in preventing bacterial vaginal infections refers to the ability of vitamin D to regulate the production the functioning of antimicrobial molecules, which then helps the immune system to fight off unwanted bacteria.
Low levels vitamin D may be a poor prognostic factor in women with breast cancer. In one study, women with vitamin D deficiency when they were diagnosed with cancer had 94% greater probability of spreading cancer. They also had 73% greater chance to die within the next 10 years. Some research suggests that vitamin D may even protect you from the development of breast cancer.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Children
Disease typical of vitamin D deficiency in children is rickets. In children suffering of rickets the bones are soft due to lack of calcium and phosphorus, and at the same time the load on skeleton is increased due to growth and development of body as well as the body movements.
If your low levels of vitamin D has gone unnoticed this could have serious implications for your health. Your doctor should keep a track on these issues from an early age as to ensure no long lasting health problems.
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