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Vitamin D is a very important component of our menu, it has many important functions in the body. It is responsible for strong bones and teeth, supports immunity, prevents hypertension, heart and metabolic diseases. Its deficiency, in turn, can lead to overweight, weakness, insomnia or digestive problems. What else is known about vitamin D? Learn five non-obvious facts.
- Vitamin D is one of the most needed and underestimated vitamins for human health
- In countries such as Poland, it is recommended to supplement it due to the insufficient number of sunny days a year. Vitamin D3 is formed under the influence of solar energy
- Vitamin D affects not only the human skeletal system, but — as research shows—it is also responsible for the sexual sphere
- The Healthy website writes about what else you can learn about vitamin D
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Vitamin D deficiency worsens sexual performance
Many studies conducted in recent years show that low vitamin D levels negatively affect the sexual condition of both men and women.
In men, vitamin D is related to sperm motility. According to a study published in The World Journal of Men’s Health in May 2019, adequate vitamin D levels improve the function of the testicles that produce sperm and essential hormones such as testosterone.
In the case of women, several studies (including one from 2019 and published in the Journal of Urology) have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and sexual dysfunction. Among the listed symptoms, there were, among others, low sex drive, lack of excitement and pain during sex.
Too much vitamin D can cause kidney stones
When taking supplements, remember not to “overdo it”. Excessive consumption of vitamin D (especially from supplements) can have unwanted side effects. One of them are kidney stones. Dr. John Poothullil explained to The Healthy, “Vitamin D improves calcium absorption. However, too much vitamin D can be dangerous as it can cause high levels of calcium, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones. “
The doctor also lists other side effects from excessive vitamin Dr. consumption: nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and confusion.
- See also: A quiz about elements and minerals. The question of vitamin D is one of the more difficult questions!
What is the recommended daily dose of vitamin D? Dr. Poothullil recommends taking 800 so-called international units (IU). However, for people living in the northern countries or those who do not go outside too often, the daily norm is 1000 to 2000 IU.
However, remember to consult a doctor before taking vitamin D or its supplementation.
Vitamin D levels affect urological matters
Urology deals with parts of the body related to sexual health (prostate and testicles for men) and the production, storage and excretion of urine (bladder, kidneys, urinary tract for men and women).
More and more studies show that vitamin D deficiency can cause urological problems such as:
- Overactive bladder. If you run to the toilet frequently or wake up at night to do so, you may have an overactive bladder. Raising your vitamin D levels can help end nighttime toilet visits because it helps to strengthen the muscles that make urine out of the bladder, according to a 2021 study published in the International Uroginecology Journal.
- Bladder cancer. Vitamin D deficiency can have more serious health consequences than frequent urination. A 2019 study found that low vitamin D levels were associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI). Getting enough vitamin D can help prevent the infection from returning. A 2019 study found that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of UTIs in both adults and children.
- Enlargement of the prostate gland According to a study published in The Canadian Journal of Urology, there is a correlation between irregular daily intake of vitamin D and a higher risk of enlargement of the prostate gland.
Aging affects the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.
With age, not only does the smoothness and elasticity of our skin deteriorate, but also its ability to produce vitamin D. As you know, the amount of this vitamin in our body increases when our skin is exposed to sunlight.
According to a study published in Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, efficiency related to vitamin D production decreases with age.
Find out more: Vitamin D – what is the risk of its deficiency? [WE EXPLAIN]
How much sun exposure does our skin need to produce enough vitamin D? Dr. Joan Salge Blake, a nutrition specialist, explains.
—Research shows that up to 30 minutes, especially between 10:00 am and 14:00 pm (daily or at least twice a week), sun exposure to the exposed – and unfiltered – face, hands, arms and legs should be sufficient for sufficient vitamin synthesis D. Of course, it all depends on where you live and the intensity of the sun, ”he says.
Not all women need the same amount of vitamin D.
The aforementioned daily dose of vitamin D of 800 IU is not a universal value. As it turns out, some women may need more or less of this relationship.
For example, a 2016 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that pregnant women who gave birth in winter were low in vitamin D levels in early pregnancy or gained excess weight. They needed higher doses than the average of other pregnant women.
It is very difficult to replenish vitamin D3 deficiency by consuming food alone. Supplementation is often needed. For example, try Vitamin D3 in Black Cumin Oil 2000 UI.
Vitamin D is an essential ingredient during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Egg deficiency increases the risk of congenital rickets and bone fractures in infants and pre-eclampsia in the mothers.
The editorial board recommends:
- Vitamins – role, importance, supplementation [EXPLAINED]
- He had a chance to win the Nobel Prize four times, although he never received it. Kazimierz Funk – godfather of vitamins and a healthy lifestyle
- Avitaminosis – causes, symptoms, treatment
- Vitamins and minerals for the skin