It is read and reread that Vitamin D is important for health and a Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health problems. Yet why is this vitamin of such importance that you can storage of vitamin D to be full. A doctor from the United States explains this and more.
The endocrinologist Dr Jean Bilezikian delivers in a stream contribution from Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) answers frequently asked questions about vitamin D to explain what it can do.
Why vitamin D is so important for us
Vitamin D allows our body to better absorb other nutrients, namely calcium and phosphorus, which are both important for the body. bone health are important. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become weak and brittle.
Vitamin D is also of great importance for the functioning of the muscles as well as the nerve connections to the brain and the function of the immune system.
Studies suggest that vitamin D also protects us from bacterial and viral infections infections (including COVID-19) and serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes and dementia. However, more research is needed to support these associations.
What happens in case of vitamin D deficiency?
If you don’t get enough vitamin D, your body won’t take it. calcium food, then the bones become a source of calcium. As a result, calcium is removed from the bones.
The average healthy person loses about 500 milligrams of calcium from their bones each day and replaces it with the same amount of new calcium. With vitamin D deficiency, calcium is not adequately replaced, resulting in weak and brittle bones.
How do you know if you are deficient in vitamin D?
Shape measurement in the liver 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the best way to know if you have a deficiency. Ask your doctor if you should have a blood test to check your vitamin D levels.
The best time for this investigation According to Dr. Bilezikian usually in winter, as the body’s own formation of the vitamin takes place when the skin is exposed to the sun (exposure to UVB rays) and therefore a lower level can be expected during the colder winter months. dark.
When a deficit detected and measures such as increased sun exposure and/or dietary supplements are initiated should be measured again two to three months later. It takes about this time to reach a constant level.
Sunlight as the main source
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. During the months of October to March, the sun’s rays in this country are not strong enough to ensure sufficient formation of vitamin D, but vitamin D can be stored in the body.
These stores then contribute to the supply of vitamin D during the winter months. Those reduced during the winter Storage can be filled in the spring.
In order to produce enough vitamin D, it is generally recommended to expose yourself to the sun for five to 25 minutes each day during the lighter months. Older people are generally advised to do a little more because their skin Vitamin D is not produced as well as in young people.
Foods containing vitamin D
Only a few Food contain vitamin D unless added. Orange juice, milk, yogurt and muesli are often fortified with vitamin D. Check the labels. To minimize processing, many organic products are not fortified.
Vitamin D is naturally present Fish contained, especially in fatty and oily fish such as salmon. Choose wild over farmed if you can: According to Dr. Bilezikian, one study showed that farmed salmon only had about 25% of the vitamin D content of wild salmon. You can also get vitamin D from fish liver oil.
Consult a physician before taking dietary supplements
It is best to get nutrients from natural sources; this also applies to vitamin D. But many people also take it food supplements. These are available with vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Both can help compensate for a vitamin D deficiency. D3 is generally recommended because it is a little more active and therefore a little more effective, explains the doctor.
The amount of vitamin D you need depends on factors such as age and health problems a way. Always talk to your doctor.
Celiac disease and other diseases associated with a malabsorption food components, make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. People with these diseases and surgeries of the gastrointestinal tract need more vitamin D.
For people over 70, the daily recommendation is 800 IU and for people under 70, 600 IU. total amount of feed per day is usually given at 4000 IU.
What is most important to know
Finally, Dr. Bilezikian points out that vitamin D plays an important role in the Health cheek, but it’s just a vitamin that humans need. Simply taking vitamin D will not fix everything that is wrong with your health. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.
Important note: This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.
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