Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins that we need for our overall health . Vitamin D is synthesized in the body when exposed to sunlight, and hence, is also called the sunshine vitamin. It is a group of vitamins, including calciferol (Vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), found mainly in liver and fish oils. It plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium, and hence benefits the body in several ways.
Vitamin D has many benefits , including:
- Vitamin is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the body thus Plays a major role in improving bone health.
- Improves immunity, along with brain and nervous system.
- Plays a role in regulating insulin levels, and hence, helps in the management of Type 2 Diabetes.
- Plays an important role in healthy heart and lungs.
- Also plays an important role in the management of obesity
VItamin D deficiency:
Reduced amount of Vitamin D in the body is associated with vitamin D deficiency . and vitamin D deficiency is nearly linked to the deficiency of calcium. this is because our body needs vitamin D for absorbtion of calcium. Eventually, this causes existing bones to get weakened and prevents the formation of a strong, new bone in children. As we know sunlight is the main source of vitamin d , low exposure to sunlight may lead to Vitamin D deficiency , low dietry source of it may also make you vitamin D deficient.
How and what can cause Vitamin D deficiency ?
The following factors can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency :
Lifestyle
Ideally,its important that one should spend at least 20 minutes each day out in the sun. If not or less than that could lead to a deficiency of Vitamin D in the body.
Age
As you grow older, the ability of your body to synthesise vitamin D becomes weaker day by day. Thus, there is a pretty significant drop in Vitamin D levels for older people.
Body Weight
People with excess body fat levels are seen to have very little of the vitamin in their bodies. Therefore, overweight or obese people have a much higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency.
- Medical conditions , such as Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or Celiac disease. These diseases do not allow the intestines to absorb enough vitamin D through supplements.
- Weight loss surgeries make consuming sufficient quantities of certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals very difficult.
- Obesity. Fat cells keep vitamin D isolated so that it is not released.
- Diseases in the kidney and liver reduce the amount of an enzyme necessary for conversion from vitamin D to a form that is present in the body.
Vitamin D Diagnosis:
Doctors may order below blood tests:
1. Vitamin D 25, Hydroxy
This test measures vitamin D levels in the blood. In the blood, we can measure two forms of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D which is essential to bone health and growth.
This test is helpful for diagnosing Vitamin D deficiency and Hypervitaminosis D. It is also used for diagnosing causes of Rickets & Osteomalacia and monitoring Vitamin D replacement therapy.
2. Vitamin D 1, 25 Dihydroxy
1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D plays a primary role in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. A part of circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D is converted to a 1,25-dihydroxy form in the kidneys. This test may help evaluate calcium metabolism in individuals with hypercalcemia or renal failure in addition to Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy testing.
Prevention of Vitamin D deficiency:
Atleast 20 minutes sun exposer is mandotary for every person and have more Vitamin D rich foods e.g., mushroom, fish,Red meat, egg yolk, fortified cereals
Opt for Vitamin D supplements after consultation with your doctor.
If you are a vegeterian and like leafy vegetables then you should add spinach to your meal.