Summer is almost here, the sun has begun to increase its influence. Then it is not possible without mentioning the vitamin D, which is known as the sun vitamin, right? Although it is called a vitamin, vitamin D is a hormone because it can be synthesized in the body. Of course, what is valuable is not how it is named, but its value in our body, so let’s get back to our topic.
What are its Functions in the Body?
Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our body. It is effective in bone formation and maintaining bone health. It reduces the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss). Vitamin D, which is absorbed by fatty acids and transferred to the lymph system after being absorbed, is also responsible for the immune system.
What are its Sources?
Although foods such as sardines, oily fish such as salmon, egg yolk and liver contain vitamin D, the main source is the sun. The majority of vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. The extent of synthesis differs depending on the intensity of sunlight and the amount of melanin in the skin. Since the melanin pigment is more in brunettes, the production of vitamin D is less.
What Should Vitamin D Levels Be?
To determine the vitamin D level, 25(OH) vitamin D level in the blood is checked. Accordingly:
If >30ng/ml is sufficient
If 20-30ng/ml, deficiency
If <20ng/ml, deficiency
<10 ng/ ml is defined in the form of significant disability.
What Happens in Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many diseases such as osteoprosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, type 1 diabetes and colon, breast and skin cancer.
Those who cannot benefit from sunlight properly, kidney patients, people with brown skin, skin patients, pregnant women, the elderly, infants and children are the clusters in which vitamin D deficiency is most common.
In addition, studies have shown that obesity may increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D deficiency may cause obesity.
Support Required?
To prevent deficiency, 1200IU vitamin D supplement should be given to mothers during pregnancy and lactation period, and 400IU vitamin D supplement should be given to infants until the end of 1 year. This vitamin, which is also frequently deficient in adults, may require supplementation depending on the levels in the blood. Do not forget to have your vitamin D level measured, especially if you have problems such as bone-muscle pain, weakness of movement or if you are in the risk group.
