Bones provide shape and support to our body. Some minerals are also stored in the bones. It also preserves bone marrow at its center, which induces blood cell formation. Therefore, bone health is essential, and Vitamin D plays a prime role in bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to autoimmune disease, rickets, and osteoporosis. Thus, knowing your bone health is important.
Herein the importance of Vitamin D and the diseases associated with its deficiency will be discussed. Further, how to manage vitamin D deficiency will also delineated.
What is the role of Vitamin D?
Earlier, Vitamin D was identified as a vitamin; however, researchers have now classified it as a prohormone. It is soluble in fat. Another name of Vitamin D is calciferol, and it has two major types Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is synthesized commercially, whereas D3 is produced in the human skin with the help of sunlight.
The human body needs Vitamin D as it performs nourishment of bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a prime role in regulating the immune system and protecting our body from disease-causing pathogens. Furthermore, it regulates mood and mental health. Therefore, deficiency in Vitamin D may lead to severe diseases which may pose a serious threat to healthcare industries.
What are the three major Causes of Vitamin D deficiency?
Poor diet planning: We get an adequate amount of Vitamin D from foods like milk, egg yolks, fatty fish, soy, cord liver oil, etc.
Lower sunlight exposure: Sunlight exposure induces chemical reactions in the body that produce Vitamin D. Therefore, lower exposure to sunlight is one of the significant reasons for Vitamin D deficiency.
Poor absorption of Vitamin D: People suffering from the intricacies of disorders like Cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, and celiac disease face lower absorption of Vitamin D due to poor intestine function.
What are the five major diseases caused by Vitamin D deficiency?
Osteoporosis: Long-term deficiency in Vitamin D may weaken your bone and deteriorate bone density. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in Calcium absorption, which is an essential material for bone health. Lower mobility, back pain, and stoop posture are the major symptoms of osteoporosis.
Rickets: It is caused due to lower levels of Vitamin D in the body, which reduces the absorption of calcium and phosphate which are pivotal for bone growth. Patients suffering from rickets face low bone growth and the inflammation in spine and pelvis.
Cardiovascular diseases: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) encompass a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, including heart disease and stroke. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated to an elevated risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions. It is thought that vitamin D helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. Symptoms can vary widely but often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Over time, CVD can lead to serious complications like heart attack or stroke.
Depression: Depression is a mental health condition denoted by continuous feelings of sadness and loss of interest. As the Vitamin D receptors are present in the brain, they are believed to play a role in mood regulation.
Deficiency in this vitamin has been associated with an increased risk of depression. Symptoms include persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression can lead to significant impairment in daily life.
Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases generally occur when the immune system mistakenly harms the body's own tissues. Autoimmunity arises when your own immune system can not recognize its own tissues and starts harming them. As Vitamin D regulates immune function, its deficiency may cause diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of diseases often include fatigue, joint pain, and lower mobility of the spine and pelvis.
How to prevent Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin deficiency can be prevented by proper management diet, supplements, and sun exposure. If you are facing Vitamin D deficiency, you may include fatty fish, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and mushrooms in your diet. Try to sit in the sunlight for about 10-30 minutes daily. Your doctor may also advise you to take Vitamin D supplements to balance your deficit. For example, Adferol Capsule is an excellent supplement for treating vitamin D deficiency. It contains Vitamin D3, which keeps your bones, teeth, muscles, and immune system healthy by enhancing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.