Vitamin D is also called the vitamin of the sun, and it is responsible for numerous important and vital functions in the body. Unfortunately, more and more people suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and numerous studies indicate that this condition is on the rise.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining bone health and the immune system. There are two main forms of vitamin D: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol).
These forms of vitamin D differ in the sources from which they are obtained.
The main way the body gets vitamin D is through exposure of the skin to sunlight. This is precisely why it is called the vitamin of the sun. When the skin reacts to UVB rays, vitamin D is synthesized, which is then converted into the active form of vitamin D in the liver and kidneys.
Vitamin D has several important functions in the body:
This vitamin plays a key role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Vitamin D is extremely important in the regulation of cell growth, which makes it important for maintaining the health of tissues and organs.
It plays an important role in supporting the immune system, that is, it helps the body fight infections.
Vitamin D can affect the regulation of various hormones in the body.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone problems, such as osteoporosis or rickets (in children) and can affect the immune system. Because dietary intake of vitamin D is often limited and sun exposure may be inadequate, vitamin D supplements are sometimes recommended, especially in populations at higher risk of deficiency.
How vitamin D deficiency manifests itself
Typical signs of vitamin D deficiency are fatigue and hair loss. Also, individuals feel pain in muscles and bones more often, and it also affects sleep disorders.
When it comes to women, there is one unusual symptom that may indicate a deficiency of this important vitamin. It is about pronounced PMS, that is, a strong feeling of premenstrual symptoms. If you haven't had problems with PMS before, but lately you feel it more strongly, you may need to check the amount of vitamin D in your body.
A lack of vitamin D can also lead to mood swings like depression, experts say. A 61 meta-analysis of 2020 studies found a “clear link” between low vitamin D levels and depression. Experts aren't sure why this might be; they assume that vitamin D has a positive effect on the nerve centers in the brain responsible for mood.
How to find out if you lack vitamin D?
If you suspect that you may have a vitamin D deficiency, it is recommended to consult a doctor. He may order a vitamin D blood test to determine the actual level of this vitamin in your body.
Based on the test results and your medical history, your doctor may recommend appropriate steps to correct your deficiency, including dietary changes, vitamin D supplements, or increased sun exposure.
It is important not to attempt to self-diagnose or treat vitamin D deficiency without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
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