What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D (also known as “calciferol”) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in foods and is available as a dietary supplement. It is produced within the body when ultraviolet rays from the sun hit the skin to trigger vitamin D synthesis.
Vitamin D is involved in several bodily processes that include:
- Calcium absorption in the gut
- Bone mineralization via serum calcium and phosphate concentrations
- Prevention of involuntary muscle contraction
- Immune function
- Prevention of spasms and cramps
- Bone growth and remodeling
- Prevention of rickets in children
- Osteoporosis and osteomalacia prevention in adults
- Inflammation reduction
- Cell growth
- Neuromuscular function
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency:
A lack of vitamin D can lead to signs and symptoms that include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Osteoporosis
- Bone fractures
- Insomnia
- Autoimmune diseases
- Higher risk of infectious diseases
- High blood pressure
- Higher risk of cardiovascular disease
- Skin conditions like psoriasis
- Increased cancer risk
- Depression
- Higher risk for diabetes
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Developmental problems in infants and children such as rickets
Vitamin D Deficiency Causes:
Some causes of vitamin D deficiency can include:
- Lack of vitamin D from foods
- Lack of exposure to the sun
- High use of sunscreen
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Hypertension
- Being over 70 years of age
- Shift work, excess work indoors
- Living in a nursing home or hospital
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Cystic fibrosis
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