Vitamin D

Vitamin D Latest News

India, the world’s most populous country, suffers from widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with Vitamin D deficiency emerging as a silent epidemic.

About Vitamin D

• Vitamin D (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement.
• It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.
  • During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is not available.
• Very few foods have vitamin D naturally. The foods with the most are fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), liver, mushrooms, eggs, and fish oils. 
  • Kids don’t eat these foods a lot. That’s why food companies often “fortify” milk, yogurt, baby formula, juice, cereal, and other foods with added vitamin D.
• The amount of vitamin D you need each day depends on your age.

Why is vitamin D so important?

• Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and helps maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.
• Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen.
• Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including reduction of inflammation as well as modulation of such processes as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.

Vitamin D Deficiency

• A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis or rickets. Osteoporosis is a disease in which your bones become weak and are likely to fracture (break).
• With chronic and/or severe vitamin D deficiency, a decline in calcium and phosphorus absorption by your intestines leads to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in your blood). 
• This leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands attempting to keep blood calcium levels normal).
• Both hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, if severe, can cause symptoms, including muscle weakness and cramps, fatigue, and depression.
• Anyone can have vitamin D deficiency, including infants, children and adults.
• Vitamin D deficiency may be more common in people with higher skin melanin content (darker skin) and who wear clothing with extensive skin coverage, particularly in Middle Eastern countries.
• Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency. 

Vitamin D FAQs

Q1: Which foods increase vitamin D?

Ans: The foods with the most vitamin D are fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), liver, mushrooms, eggs, and fish oils. 

Q2: What is the best way to absorb vitamin D?

Ans: The best way to absorb vitamin D is a combination of sunlight exposure, diet, and supplements.

Q3: Why is Vitamin D essential for the body?

Ans: It promotes calcium absorption and bone health.

Source: HT