3 Benefits of a Vitamin D Supplement
A vitamin D supplement can improve your health and well-being. However, before you take one, make sure you are getting the recommended amount of vitamin D from your diet. Low vitamin D levels can result from many factors. For example, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may be deficient in vitamin D.
People who rarely consume milk or fatty fish may also be deficient in vitamin D. People who live in climates with poor sunlight exposure or who have dark skin can also have low levels of vitamin D. To address this, you can use light therapy, which involves daily exposure to bright white light.
1. Side effects of vitamin D supplementation
There are some side effects of vitamin D supplementation that can be very dangerous. One of these is called vitamin D toxicity, and it can cause problems including cardiac arrhythmias and renal failure. This can happen due to an overdose of vitamin D or improper dosage. However, most people don’t experience these issues.
The current government vitamin D recommendations are fairly safe. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are generally low enough to avoid adverse effects. But the FNB guidelines advise that people avoid serum levels above 125-150 nmol/L. High levels have been linked to cardiovascular events and falls.
Although the level of vitamin D in your body is usually low, some people take extremely high doses of the vitamin. In fact, one study reported that 3.2% of adult U.S. adults consumed vitamin D supplement containing 100 mcg or more of the nutrient. But, that study did not show a statistically significant difference in total mortality rates.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia, a disorder where bone tissue fails to mineralize properly. This leads to weak bones and a variety of deformities. Although this condition is rare in children, it can be a major health issue for adults. This condition can also cause developmental delay, bone pain, and tetanic spasms.
2. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can be a major cause of health problems. Symptoms can include muscle weakness and a weakened ability to climb stairs. Low vitamin D levels may also lead to bone pain and hairline fractures.
These symptoms can be present in children as young as one-year-old. A doctor can detect vitamin D deficiency by taking a simple blood test. X-rays of the wrist can also reveal changes.
Vitamin D is essential to the health of the body. Without adequate amounts, it can lead to osteoporosis, heart disease, rickets, and cancer. It can also affect mood and cognitive function. Some studies have even linked low vitamin D levels to depression and mood disorders.
Vitamin D deficiency is also a major cause of rickets in newborns. It also puts pregnant women at risk for osteomalacia, a bone condition resulting in low calcium levels in the blood. As a result, the body may produce more parathyroid hormone, a hormone that draws calcium from the bone and excretes phosphate in the urine. These two substances are essential for healthy bones.
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by several factors, including inadequate exposure to sunlight. People who work indoors or in climates with little sunlight are at a high risk of vitamin D deficiency. The skin’s melanin content makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamin D. A deficiency can also occur in babies who are breastfed.
3. Ways to improve vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that aids in a variety of body functions, including bone growth and health. Vitamin D deficiency is a serious problem because it increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak bones. This vitamin also affects the immune system, heart function, and digestion. A vitamin D deficiency can also lead to fatigue and weakness.
You can boost your vitamin D level through diet or exposure to sunlight. There are many food sources of vitamin D, including fish, mushrooms, and egg yolks. However, if you’re a vegetarian or don’t consume these foods in sufficient amounts, you might want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement.
The amount of vitamin D you produce depends on several factors, including your skin’s color, latitude, and season. During the winter months, your body’s ability to produce vitamin D decreases. Also, if you’re older, your body may have a harder time absorbing it. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, you can get a simple blood test to find out.
Final Words
The best way to determine whether you’re vitamin D deficient is to take a blood test. Many people may not feel any symptoms when they’re deficient in the vitamin. It is therefore important to check with a doctor to determine whether a vitamin D supplement is necessary. You should also consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist if you’re unsure.
