‘I hope the sun will come up, today’ says most individuals during Winter.
‘I am afraid of the Sun’, says most individuals living in tropical countries.
What is Vitamin D?
Also known as ‘calciferol’ is a fat soluble Vitamin which comes from UV rays of the sun and some foods that triggers synthesis.
Synthesis meaning- the production of chemical compounds from reactions to simple contents.(Oxford Dictionary)
Upon reaching the body, the first molecular reaction will change in the liver , vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], called “calcidiol.” The second molecular reaction occurs in the kidney and forms the reaction 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], called as “calcitriol’.
How important is Vitamin D in the body?
Vitamin D Aids in the absorption of calcium in the small intestine which then maintains the normal serum of calcium and phosphate level in the blood. Without enough Vitamin D in the body, the bones will release Vitamin D into the blood to help reabsorb Calcium and Phosphate in the body then resulting to weaker bones until it will lead to other diseases in the bones such as Osteoporosis. Having low Calcium in the body will lead to Hypocalcemia (abnormal low level of Calcium in the serum) which may experience cramps and spasms.
5 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Bone loss
- Respiratory problems (low immune system)
- Muscle cramps/muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Unable to sleep
Bone Loss
Due to low level of Vitamin D in the blood, the Calcium absorption in the small intestine will hinder, which then gives bone signals to release Vitamin D.
Respiratory problems
Studies show that vitamin d deficiency may lead to low immune system level in the body which may lead to respiratory problem such as frequent cough and colds, asthma, and other serious infections.
Muscle Pain
Clinical studies have made that muscle weakness, body malaise and muscle cramps Is due to deficiency of Vitamin D in the blood but is irreversible when the person takes a Vitamin D supplement.
Hair loss
According to a study,the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, has been shown to have pro-differentiation and antiproliferative effects on keratinocytes that are mediated by interactions with its nuclear receptor. (C) ELSEVIER Ltd 2010
Fatigue
A person who is feeling always tired may have Vitamin D deficiency. An interesting study has also been made and said that most nurses have Vitamin D deficiency due to extreme work factors. Clinical studies has been made that a low level of Vitamin D in the body has decrease the muscle functions of an individual.
Unable to sleep
One study made at China’s Qingdao University found that low level of Vitamin D has a connection with poor sleep quality.
Before buying any over the counter Vitamin D’s Supplements,, it is important to first check your blood level with your primary health care physicians. People who are taking D supplements should regularly check their Calcium level in the blood, Urine exams and Creatinine (Kidney Function) to know if Hypercalcemia( abnormally increase level of Calcium in the blood) and stones in the kidneys are starting to build up. High Vitamin D level and Calcium also affects the Heart Rhythm, thus one should make a regular ECG check up.
Foods rich in Vitamin D
-Meat Liver Especially beef liver
-Fish (Fresh Mackerel, Tuna, Salmon) especially Fish that are high in good fats
-Egg yolks
-Cheese
-Soy milk
-Liver oil
Did you know that darker skin people needs more Sun exposure because of their increase amount of melanin in the skin? Thus, they need to stay longer in the sun than pale skin individuals. A study has made and says that darker skin ethnic group has more risk of deficiency in Vitamin D than with pale skin.
Are you one of those mankind with a Vitamin D deficiency?
A Happy Place 