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  Vitamin D Deficiency

Introduction

It is what is known as the sunshine vitamin, or cholecalciferol, which is one of the vitamins that dissolve in water, and the body does not produce it unless it is exposed to a sufficient amount of sunlight, as it is produced chemically in the form. Tablets and capsules, and this vitamin deficiency are compensated by taking nutritional supplements recommended by a specialist doctor.

What is Vitamin D deficiency?

 It is a deficiency in the level of vitamin D in the blood at the normal rate, which negatively affects the general health of the person, especially the health of bones and muscles.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D, one of the primary forms of vitamin D found in the blood, is usually used as an indicator of the level of deficiency in the body.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem, with approximately 1 billion people worldwide suffering from vitamin D deficiency. In addition, nearly 50% of the world's population suffers from an insufficient amount of vitamin D in the body.

It is cited that children's lack of exposure to the sun leads to rickets and osteoporosis

Factors that increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It is estimated that about one billion people around the world suffer from low levels of vitamin D in the blood, but the risk of developing vitamin D deficiency increases in the presence of some factors, such as:

• The patient is dark-skinned.
• the elderly.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Not eating enough fish or dairy products.
• Live in areas where there is little sun all year round.
• Always use sunscreen when going out; However, the use of sunscreen is important in helping to protect against the harmful effects of the sun on the skin.
• Not getting out of the house enough.
• Chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or hyperthyroidism.
• Having a health condition that affects nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease.
• Gastric bypass surgery.
• Use of certain medications that affect the body's use of vitamin D.
• People who are exposed to the sun frequently are less likely to develop vitamin D deficiency, because their skin produces enough of it to meet their body's needs.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

1-Having more infection than usual

One of the most important roles of vitamin D is to keep your immune system strong, so you can fight off viruses and bacteria that cause disease, as vitamin D interacts directly with the cells responsible for fighting infection.

Suppose you are sick most of the time, especially with colds or the flu. In that case, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor, as several studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Studies have found that taking a vitamin D supplement with a dose of up to 4,000 IU daily may reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

2- Poor wound healing

Slow wound healing after surgery or injury may be a sign that your vitamin D levels are too low.

Study reports indicate that vitamin D increases the production of compounds necessary for the formation of new skin as part of the healing process.

One analysis of patients with diabetic foot infections found that people who were severely deficient in vitamin D were more likely to have higher levels of markers of inflammation that could compromise healing. And that taking a vitamin D supplement for 12 weeks led to a significant improvement in wound healing.

3-Bone and back pain

It is common knowledge that vitamin D helps maintain bone health by improving the body's absorption of calcium.

Low bone mineral density means your bones are losing calcium and other minerals. This puts older adults, especially women, at an increased risk for fractures.

However, a study found that women with a vitamin D deficiency did not experience any improvement in bone mineral density when they took supplements in high doses, even if their blood mineral levels improved.

Bone pain and lower back pain may be signs of inadequate levels of vitamin D in the blood.

4-Fatigue and tiredness

There are many reasons for feeling tired, and vitamin D deficiency may be one of them. Studies have shown that very low levels of vitamin D in the blood.

Some studies have found that very low levels of vitamin D in the blood can cause fatigue, which in turn affects the daily lives of individuals.

5-muscle pain

Vitamin D receptors are found in nerve cells called nociceptors that sense pain. According to studies, vitamin D may be related to pain signaling pathways in the body, which can play a role in chronic pain.

Sometimes it is difficult to determine the causes of muscle pain, but there is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a possible cause of muscle pain in children and adults. In one study, 71% of people with chronic pain were found to be deficient in vitamin D.

6-hair loss

Hair loss is often attributed to stress, which is certainly a common cause. However, when hair loss is severe, it may be the result of disease or a nutrient deficiency.

One study showed that people with alopecia areata suffer from a vitamin D deficiency in the blood. It has been found that using the vitamin topically for 12 weeks significantly increases hair regrowth.

7-excessive sweating

Sweating is good for health because it leads to the disposal of toxins in the fat cells under the skin, and excessive sweating is a sign of vitamin D deficiency, and it should be noted that sweating in the head in particular is one of the first symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

8-overweight

Obesity is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. A study of both men and women found a possible link between low vitamin D status and belly fat. And that such effects were more pronounced in men. Some researchers consider that while vitamin D deficiency can be observed in cases of obesity, more studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D can help prevent weight gain.

9-Depression

Depressed mood may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency, as 65% of studies have found a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression, especially in the elderly.

10-anxiety

One study gave participants deficiency supplements for 6 months. The supplement greatly helped reduce anxiety symptoms. According to one review, levels of calcidiol, a form of vitamin D, were found to be lower in people with anxiety.

A separate study in pregnant women found that vitamin D levels can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and possibly help prevent postpartum depression.

Vitamin D benefits

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins involved in bone-building metabolism, by facilitating intestinal absorption of calcium, and vitamin D also contributes to the transfer of calcium from the intestine to the blood by proteins called calbindin. It also stimulates the absorption of magnesium and phosphate.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Does Vitamin D deficiency cause dry skin?

  There is no information showing that vitamin D deficiency causes dry skin.

Is there an effect of vitamin D deficiency on the psychological?

  Vitamin D contributes to regulating mood, in addition to promoting nerve and brain health, and as we mentioned previously, depression is one of the symptoms associated with it.

What does diet have to do with getting enough vitamin D?

Vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods, which is why some foods have artificially added vitamin D, and more recent nutritional nutrition labels show how much vitamin D is in them.

It can be especially difficult for vegetarians or people with lactose intolerance to get enough vitamin D from their diets, which is why some people may choose to take supplements. It is always important to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups.