Vitamin deficiency epidemic
Vitamin D deficiency has long acquired the character of a pandemic, which is worse than the notorious coronavirus. About a billion people around the world suffer from a lack of this substance, which automatically makes them an easy target for any virus. Most of them are residents of the Northern Hemisphere, including 80% of Russians.
The farther from the equator, the less often the sun shines – the main producer of vitamin D in the body. And above 42 ° north latitude, where winter lasts six months or longer, this is a real disaster. Yes, there are enough sunny days in winter, but UV radiation during this period is so weak that it almost does not affect the production of an important nutrient.
Moreover, even in the summer, many lack … After all, the life-giving rays work in full force only from 10:00 to 15:00. And most people prefer to wait out the midday heat in the shade. And even modest attempts to sunbathe, as a rule, do not give the desired result. Under a thick layer of sunscreen, the vitamin that the body needs is not produced. As, however, there is little benefit from the rays distorted by the window glass.
One way or another, you will not be able to recharge with the energy of the sun for the future. This is clearly felt with the onset of the first cold weather, when all kinds of viruses open up a real hunt for us. It is especially hard for residents of big cities. Because of the smog, even in summer, the activity of the sun’s rays is reduced by 60%. Add a high population density – and the ideal breeding ground for viruses is ready.
Double shield for immunity
The importance of vitamin D for immunity is evidenced by the fact that under its influence up to 200 antimicrobial proteins are produced in the body. Among them are the natural antibiotics defensin and cathelicidin, to which addiction is not developed, and it is not necessary to eliminate the consequences of the side effects characteristic of synthetic antibiotics.
So, it makes no sense to count on solar support in winter. What about nutrition? Theoretically, you can get the required dose of this vitamin from your daily diet. But this will require, for example, eating 100 egg yolks or 4,5 kg of cheese. In a word, the mission is obviously not feasible. There remains the option of taking additional vitamin D. The main thing is not to be mistaken with the choice of the right remedy.