Vitamin D plays a crucial role in our bodies. Without Vitamin D our body cannot absorb calcium which will affect bone growth. Do you suffer from backaches or pain in your bones? That can be due to a lack of Vitamin D.
What diseases Vitamin D can help prevent?
In children, if Vitamin D is not sufficient it can result in soft bones which can then lead to rickets. With sufficient vitamin D intake, this problem can be avoided. The main source of Vitamin D is the sun but sometimes when deficiency is the greater sun is not enough. The child may need to take supplements.
In adults lack of Vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia. Like children, they too may need to take supplements prescribed by the doctor. Other than this Vitamin D contributes to the smooth function of other body functions as well. Vitamin D deficiency can also be very painful sometimes because it affects bones.
Why Vitamin D is so important?
Apart from affecting the bones, Vitamin D is also linked with other diseases such as cancer, weight gain, depression, etc. The research found that those with higher Vitamin D have a lower risk of diseases. But lack of Vitamin D does not necessarily promote diseases. Taking Vitamin D supplements will not improve the condition of a patient as well if they have a disease that is linked with Vitamin D. the main role of Vitamin D is making bones strong.
Our body produces Vitamin D itself after we take enough sunlight. Vitamin D is also available in certain food that promotes Vitamin D in blood. Vitamin D also promotes weight loss and improves heart risk issues.
Why some people have a hard time absorbing Vitamin D?
- People that live in polluted areas and where high buildings stop sun rays from coming to them have a hard time making vitamin D.
- When people spend too much time inside without going outside.
- When houses have no windows from where the sun can come in.
- People with dark skin also have a hard time absorbing vitamin D because they have a high level of melanin.
- The Elderly also have a hard time absorbing vitamin D because their kidneys do not convert Vitamin D.
These facts are the reason why Vitamin D deficiency increases in people. When it happens they have no option but to take supplements.
How to make sure you do not have vitamin D deficiency?
- Eat vitamin D rich food: Salmon, egg yolk, yogurt, orange juice, milk all contain vitamin D. these are general food items that you can have every day.
- Use tools: When you are at home spend most of the time around windows and do not wear sunscreen.
- Supplements: If you are still not getting enough Vitamin D then supplements are a good option.