We estimate that vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world.
You need not panic if you have
vitamin D deficiency, as this is a common problem most people face. It is like
any other mineral or vitamin your body could lack. However, you must become
aware of the causes and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency to take up appropriate
treatment methods to manage it.
It is estimated that about 1 billion
people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency. Studies in India have revealed as
high as 80% to 90% of people with this condition. This blog will dive into the
reasons behind this condition and treatment methods that you can follow. Now
let's ask the crucial question.
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you
don't have enough sun exposure. The other reason is that you are not taking
foods rich in vitamin D. This condition can occur when your body is not
absorbing vitamin D properly.
Apart from these reasons, several
other factors like chronic conditions, age and skin colour could cause vitamin
D deficiency. We will look at these causes in detail later in the blog.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Vitamin D is also needed to properly function the nervous and immune systems. In addition, vitamin D helps to prevent cancer and protect the body from various chronic conditions. These include bone loss, depression, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Yes, hair mineral analysis can detect
vitamin D deficiency.
Impaired action of vitamin D is
caused by low Mg/K ratio levels in the body. Hair mineral analysis can
detect these mineral imbalances and provide supplements to balance them.
Now let us look closer at the causes
of vitamin D deficiency.
It is hard to point at one cause as
there are many vitamin deficiencies causes. Let
us discuss some risk factors that can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Medical conditions that lead to low
vitamin D levels.
Weight loss surgeries and vitamin D
deficiency:
Weight loss surgery, such as gastric
bypass surgery, reduces the size of your stomach and bypasses part of your
small intestine. This makes it difficult for your body to absorb certain
nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This causes a risk for vitamin D deficiency.
If you had a weight loss surgery, you must consult a doctor and get your vitamin D levels checked regularly. You may have to take vitamin D and other supplements for life.
Medications that cause vitamin D
deficiency:
Certain medications cause low levels
of vitamin D. Some of them are:
There may be many symptoms and signs
of vitamin D deficiency. Some of them are discussed below:
Vitamin D fights bacteria and viruses
and protects the body from infections. When you have a cold or flu, it usually
is due to low vitamin D levels in your body. Several studies have demonstrated
that respiratory infections, such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia, can
occur when vitamin D levels are low. Taking up to 4000 IU of vitamin D can help
to reduce vitamin D deficiency symptoms.
Bone and lower back pain are vitamin
D deficiency symptoms. Studies confirmed that people with low vitamin D levels
had severe lower back pain. Therefore, it is essential to maintain healthy
vitamin D levels to protect the body from these conditions.
Studies show that healing after
surgery or injury is slow in people with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is
also responsible for regenerating new skin for wound healing. Unfortunately,
low vitamin D levels in people also cause high inflammatory conditions.
Vitamin D deficiency is usually treated
with supplements and dietary changes. However, if your healthcare provider
finds out you have a deficiency, they recommend the following.
Treatment through supplements:
Oral supplements are the best
treatment for vitamin D deficiency. Apart from this, magnesium helps activate
vitamin D in the body, so take this supplement too.
A doctor may recommend prescription
vitamin D, which comes in more substantial doses of up to 50,000 IU for severe
deficiencies. Your doctor may also recommend vitamin D injections.
Treatment through the proper diet:
A proper diet and eating foods rich
in vitamin D will help achieve the average vitamin D level needed. Foods rich
in vitamin D are:
Since sunlight is an excellent source
of vitamin D, your doctor might advise you to go outdoors and get exposure to
sunlight. But excess ultra-violet exposure can cause adverse effects, so it is
vital to note the time you spend in the sun and apply sunscreen when you go
out.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common
problem people have. It needs to be addressed through proper diagnosis and
treatment plans like taking supplements. In addition, following a diet rich in
vitamin D and spending adequate time in the sun are crucial tips for maintaining
healthy vitamin D levels.
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