Are you deficient in vitamin D? What is the diagnosis and treatment?

Recently, the importance of vitamin D in medicine has once again become a serious issue and has been considered by experts. One study after another shows that low levels of vitamin D cause many problems in the body, and on the other hand, adequate intake of this vitamin not only reduces the chances of developing some diseases, but also strengthens the body's immune system to counteract it. It also helps with the diseases it suffers from.

6 reasons why you are exposed to vitamin D deficiency

For many reasons, many people do not get enough vitamin D daily or weekly, which over time causes a deficiency of this vital vitamin in the body and causes many problems.

1. You are not exposed to enough sunlight: If your body is exposed to the sun regularly, it will be able to make the vitamin D it needs. But for many of us, for simple reasons such as lifestyle, occupation, place of residence, cold weather, and type of clothing, we are not exposed to enough sunlight.


2. Use of sunscreens: SPF moisturizers and sunscreens prevent the body from absorbing ultraviolet (UVB) rays and producing vitamin D.

There is a lot of publicity about sunscreens and their effect on preventing skin cancer, but the point to consider is that in the Persian Gulf countries where the intensity of sunlight and heat is longer than the United States and people are less than the cream Use skin protection products and sunscreens Skin cancer is far less common than in the United States, new research shows that excessive use of skin protection creams and lotions due to chemical compounds increases the risk of skin cancer .

To protect the skin, it is better to use safe sunscreen SPF15 or organic vegetable oils.

3. If your skin color is dark: Black people or people with dark skin should be exposed to more sunlight for their body to produce as much vitamin D as white people.

4. If you do not eat well or you are a vegetarian: If you do not have the main sources of vitamin D in your diet such as fish, eggs, local milk or you are an extreme vegetarian, you are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D.

5. If you do not take dietary supplements: It is difficult for some people to get the amount of vitamin D they need from food sources alone. Some dietary supplements, such as cod liver oil, contain vitamin A and D is natural and is a good source to meet the needs of the body.

6. You are in a special physical condition: Pregnant and lactating women, athletes and the elderly need more vitamin D than others.


What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is very difficult to diagnose and may be impossible to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to many other diseases and problems, including fatigue, bruising and muscle aches. Symptoms associated with severe deficiency include bone pain, general weakness, and, in some people, recurrent infectious diseases.

It should be noted that some people may not see any symptoms, so measuring the level of this vitamin through a blood test is especially important.


Diseases that can be exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency include:

Alzheimer's, asthma, autism, cancer, immune system diseases, depression, type 1 and 2 diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, hypertension, heart disease, infertility and decreased sperm volume in men, intestinal inflammation, insomnia, migraine, Obesity, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, seizures and schizophrenia

In a study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the United States found that leukemia patients with low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to die as patients with adequate levels of vitamin D, and that the rate of progression of this type of cancer in people with deficiency Vitamin D is more than others.

According to a study in Iran, about 70% of people are deficient in this vitamin.
According to other reports published by the Mayo Clinic in the United States, 25% of people are deficient in vitamin D.


The importance of vitamin D in human health

Adequate amounts of vitamin D are essential for healthy bones and teeth and the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Other benefits of vitamin D for the body include:

Regulate and strengthen the immune system, help regulate weight, reduce the risk of MS and rheumatoid arthritis in women, maintain brain function with age and reduce asthma symptoms

How much vitamin D does the body need?

The recommended amount of vitamin D for children and adolescents is 100 to 300 units (IU) per day, adults up to the age of 70 is 400 to 600 units, pregnant and lactating women 600 units and people over 70 years 800 units per day.

Of course, this vitamin is stored in the liver and can be received weekly or monthly.

 How to get enough of this vitamin

It is recommended to expose your body (face, hands and back) to direct sunlight twice a week for 10 to 15 minutes each time. If sunbathing is not possible for you, you can use vitamin D supplements under the supervision of a doctor. It is also recommended to consume sufficient amounts of vitamin D food sources.

The best food sources of vitamin D.

Salmon, tuna and sardines, raw and local dairy products, eggs and mushrooms are rich sources of vitamin D.

Blood tests to measure vitamin D levels

Because this vitamin plays a very important role in health, it is recommended that you have a blood test of 25 (OH) once a year to check its condition, consult your doctor in this regard.