Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins needed for human life. Vitamin D acts as a prohormone in our body. What is interesting and what is worth knowing is the fact that vitamin D is not produced directly in our body without the participation of external and environmental factors. The factor that triggers the synthesis of vitamin D is the sun – and more precisely, UV rays with the right wavelength! What does this mean for us? Sunny walks, even during winter, contribute to the formation of vitamin D in our body.
How to check for vitamin D deficiency?
Well, it’s easy to find out if there are adequate amounts of vitamin D in our body. All you have to do is observe your body. In the event of any symptoms of vitamin D avitaminosis, we will be sure that, unfortunately, our body for some reason does not produce vitamin D in the right amounts.
- The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is lack of sun exposure along with a disturbed or poor diet.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Development of a disease called rickets, especially in young children and adolescents;
- Development of osteomalacia, or softening of the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis;
- Increasing the risk of osteoporosis, especially in middle-aged and elderly people;
- Increased risk of fractures and bone degeneration;
- Loss of teeth and their significant weakening (e.g. loosening of teeth);
- Deterioration of hearing and deterioration of vision (associated with frequent conjunctivitis);
- Significant weakness of the body, insomnia, problems with falling asleep and concentrating;
- Inadequate functioning of the entire nervous system, which may be associated with a decrease in school opportunities in children, and a decrease in work mobilization in adults;
- Significantly reduced body resistance, ease of “catching” simple infections;
- Increased risk of autoimmune diseases such as bladder, breast, colorectal and ovarian cancer. The possibility of developing type I diabetes.
Vitamin D in food
It is estimated that only 0 to 20% of the amount of vitamin D the body needs comes from food. Some products are specially enriched with vitamin D, which is especially useful for children’s development. On store shelves, we can find vitamin D-rich flakes for milk or spreads for sandwiches. In addition, it is worth knowing that fish such as eel, sardines, tuna, herring, salmon and cod are good sources of vitamin D. Large amounts of vitamin D are also found in mackerel and canned fish.