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Vitamin D is also called the solar vitamin, which is passed on to our body through solar radiation. Unfortunately, in our climate there are few sunny days, which means that a larger group of people have a deficiency of vitamin D. It is a vitamin that plays an important role in the human body, so it is important to be able to properly supplement it with supplements.
There is another name for vitamin D – the vitamin of life. What exactly is this vitamin, what are its properties and why is it so important for the proper functioning of the body? This is exactly the so-called steroid hormone that produces cholesterol when exposed to sunlight. When UV rays come into contact with the skin surface, cholesterol is converted into vitamin D. Vitamin D belongs to the same group of vitamins as vitamins A, E and K, so vitamins that can dissolve in fats. In fact, all organs need this vitamin to work properly. Most doctors recommend supplementation even in newborns. Since there are many preparations containing vitamin D, it is necessary to choose the one that best suits the current needs of the body. Excess vitamin D may appear with improper supplementation.
Vitamin D Excess – Vitamin Functions
A vitamin deficiency or an excess of vitamin D in the body can cause a variety of symptoms. However, before the doctor can find out whether the patient has excess or deficiency of vitamin D, it is important to understand the functions that vitamin D performs in the body.
- thanks to vitamin, muscles are strengthened
- an excess of vitamin D or a deficiency weakens the absorption of calcium and phosphorus into the gastrointestinal tract
- vitamin D is a specific barrier against allergens
- Vitamin deficiency or excess in infants disrupts the growth and development of teeth
- the correct level reduces the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, for example lupus or Hashimoto’s
- proper diet and vitamin supplementation support concentration and memory
- Vitamin D excess or deficiency can negatively affect the body’s immunity
- vitamin D in appropriate doses reduces the possibility of developing osteoporosis in adults, and, according to some doctors, it also reduces the risk of cancer
- has a positive effect on bone mineralization
Excess of vitamin D – excess
What should the correct vitamin dosage look like? Vitamin D deficiency or excess is a frequently diagnosed ailment, which is why the Food and Nutrition Institute has created a daily vitamin requirement table to facilitate possible supplementation. When it comes to fluctuations in the amount of vitamin in the body, excess vitamin D is less common than deficiency, but it is possible. How to recognize an excess of vitamin D?
- nausea and vomiting
- increased thirst
- diarrhea or constipation
- frequent headaches
- eye pain
- lack of appetite
- increased sweating
- annoyance
- weakness
- itchy skin
- slowing growth in children
It is scientifically proven that a properly functioning body is able to reduce the excess of vitamin D in a natural way by producing melanin, i.e. the skin pigment. However, an excess of vitamin D is possible as a result of taking too high doses of preparations for a long time.
How is vitamin D deficiency manifested?
- deteriorated mood – apathy, bad mood, depression
- somnolence
- severe muscle weakness
- decrease in endurance and worse physical condition
- increased risk of fractures
- loss of appetite
- disgust in the mouth
- burning sensation in the throat
- blurred vision