Vitamin D, Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones
, and the two major forms are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is produced by the exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B radiation
Vitamin D plays an important role in the maintenance of organ systems:
* Regulates levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body by promoting their absorption of food in the intestines and calcium re-absorption in the kidneys.
* It promotes bone formation and mineralization and is essential for a strong skeleton. However, at very high levels, promotes bone resumption.
* It affects the immune system by promoting immunosuppressant, phagocytes, and anti-tumor activity.
Sources and foods rich in vitamin D
Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, and in many countries most of the intake of this vitamin comes from fortified products like milk, soy milk and cereals.
The time of year, latitude and cloud cover affect exposure to sunlight and vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Thus, it is important for people with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in the diet. Besides food fortified with vitamin D, natural sources include fish liver oil, fatty fish salmon, catfish, sardines, tuna, mackerel, eggs and mushrooms.
Vitamin D deficiency
A deficiency of vitamin D may be due to inadequate intake with inadequate sunlight exposure, disorders that limit its absorption, conditions that impair conversion of vitamin D into active metabolites, or rarely by inherited disorders. Vitamin D deficiency results in loss of bone mineral and bone disorders --- causes rickets in children and in adults --- and possibly contributes to osteoporosis.
Diseases caused by deficiency of vitamin D
A deficiency of vitamin D can cause several bone diseases such as:
* Rickets - disease of childhood characterized by stunted growth and deformity of long bones.
* Disorder that weakens bones and occurs exclusively in adults characterized by weakness, proximal muscle and bone fragility.
* Osteoporosis - a condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density and bone fragility.
Lack of vitamin D can also be linked with increased susceptibility to various diseases and chronic conditions such as tuberculosis, high blood pressure, cancer, multiple sclerosis, depression, schizophrenia.
Excess vitamin D
The concentration levels of vitamin D in foods and pills are too small to cause toxicity in adults. Most cases of excess of vitamin D were due to accidents and industrial manufacturing. Exposure to the sun for long periods does not cause too much vitamin D. Some symptoms of vitamin D intoxication is a result of hypocalcaemia (high blood calcium) caused by increased calcium absorption by the intestine. Vitamin D intoxication can cause high blood pressure, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are usually followed by excessive production of urine, high seat, weakness, nervousness and eventually kidney failure. The treatments for vitamin D intoxication include discontinuing vitamin supplementation, and restrict the intake of calcium.
Vitamin D, Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
By: Leena Kiri
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