Vitamin D which is also known as sunshine vitamin plays an important role in the daily life of the individual as it has an incredible effect on the human body.

Karepedia is here with an article to explore the multiple benefits of vitamin D.

If you want to know more about vitamin D and its benefits, you’re in the right place.

This blog also covers the sources of vitamin D, the most recommended methods of intake, what vitamin D deficiency means, the symptoms associated with vitamin D and what happens if its level exceeds a certain amount.

What Is Vitamin Deficiency?

Vitamin Deficiency refers to the lack of vitamin D as the body requires it. It can vary depending on your age, sex and the physical conditions.

As we all know, vitamin D deficiency directly affects your bones, teeth and muscles. Apart from this vitamin D plays a Major role in maintaining the nervous systems as well as the immune system.

Benefits of Vitamin D

• Bone Health

As we have studied at lower classes during the school days, vitamin D is very important in terms of calcium absorption so that your teeth and bones remain healthy. In addition to this the sunshine vitamin helps to fight against osteoporosis. Apart from this calcium helps to prevent certain medical conditions in children like rickets.

• The Immune Support System

Yes, you heard it right vitamin D has a positive effect on the human body as it helps to maintain the immune level in the human body. The proper level can help in reducing infections, and all illnesses related to the respiratory system.

It has numerous benefits like

1. Vitamin D prevents infectious diseases

2. It help to reduce the risk of autoimmune and associated disease

3. Help to treat respiratory problems associated with covid 19 pandemic

• Mood and Mental Health

Several researches had proved that Vitamin D deficiency is strongly connected with anxiety and depression in individuals which can be called mood disorders in common. So it is proved that maintaining the adequate level of vitamin D helps the individual to cope up with the situation.

• Cardiac Health Do you know that vitamin D has a positive effect on cardiovascular health as vitamin D has the ability to regulate the body pressure and prevents any damage to arteries.

• Anti- Inflammatory Properties Yes, it is right Vitamin D has the ability to reduce the risk of chronic disease like type 2 diabetes and autoimmune conditions.

Main Sources of Vitamin D

Sunlight

From the past our forefathers said that sunlight is one of the natural sources of vitamin D and the frequent contact with the sunlight in the early morning helps to increase the amount of vitamin D in the skin. It is proven through science that spending 15- 20 minutes in low sunlight helps the individual to maintain an adequate vitamin D level in the body.

Food

• Fishes are one of the foods that are very rich in vitamin D especially small fishes like Salmon, Mackerel and Sardines.

• Beef, especially beef liver, is a great source of vitamin D.

• Cheese and egg yolks are also rich in vitamin D.

• Foods like cow milk, orange juice, and cereals eaten as breakfast can also provide you with vitamin D.

• Mushroom is an excellent source of vitamin D

Always consider your doctor before starting any of these foods as some foods may lead to allergic reactions which can make the conditions worse.

The Supplements

• One can seek the help of the supplements with the help of a medical professional if one feels that the vitamin D intake through food and exposure to sunlight is very low means lower than the required level .

• Common forms include vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), with D3 being more effective at raising blood levels.

How Common Is Vitamin D Deficiency in the Postmodern Era?

In the contemporary era the vitamin D deficiency is becoming a global issue.

Recent studies conducted around the world by eminent figures in the industry have proved that 1 billion people among the whole population around the world are suffering due to the issue of vitamin D.

It is also proven that there is 50% of people in the world who are suffering due to insufficiency of vitamin D.

Common symptoms associated with Vitamin D deficiency

The symptoms will not be similar in adults and children. The following list shows the same.

Symptoms that wisely appears in children

• Incorrect growth patterns

• Muscle pain

• Bone pain

• Bowed head

Symptoms shown by adults

• Fatigue

• Body pain

• Depression

• Muscle cramps.

What Happens if Vitamin D Exceeds A Certain Level?

Yes, the level of vitamin D can exceed in certain people which leads to a condition called hypercalcemia.

Symptoms of hypercalcemia

• Nausea

• Poor appetite

• Constipation

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Impaired balance or coordination

• Unclear speech

The amount of vitamin D each individual requires may vary, the given table chart shows the same.

It is clear that vitamin D, popularly known as the sunshine vitamin, plays an important role in the life of the individual. Both the excess and low level leads to complications. So never consume the supplements more than prescribed.