Vitamin D - myths and facts What we need to know

Both excess and deficiency of vitamin D are harmful to your health!

The topic of vitamin D is one of the most discussed issues in the medical and non-medical fields. It is vital for the body after vitamin C. Its main function is related to calcium absorption, bone strength and immunity stability.

There are several misconceptions about the importance of vitamin D. Such misinformation may cause more harm to health.

Know the facts and reject the myths D About the vitamin:

1. Myth: D It is possible to get a sufficient amount of vitamin only by sunbathing

This is not the case, because the increasing pollution of the environment, the increase in ultraviolet radiation due to the destruction of the ozone layer makes the production of vitamin D in the body insufficient due to exposure to sunlight. In addition, there are other factors: skin color, time of day (irradiation), geographical area, use of skin protection products, etc.

Fact: Sunscreens and prolonged indoor (home/office) exposure increase the body's D requirement on vitamin, which in order to replenish its supply, in addition to natural sources, it is necessary to supply it additionally.

2. Myth: If you eat a balanced diet, D It is not necessary to take vitamin supplements

Most people do not eat a balanced diet or do not get enough vitamin D-rich foods.

Fact: with additional sources D It is always convenient to take a vitamin to avoid deficiency.

3. Myth: If there are no symptoms, there is no deficiency

It's wrong! Even if there are no obvious symptoms of vitamin deficiency, it is impossible to detect the deficiency without regular checkups. When the symptoms appear - the deficiency is very deep and may cause various complications (bone mineralization disorders, fractures, decreased immune status, etc.).

Fact: Vitamin D deficiency is often asymptomatic.

4. Myth: All D's The vitamin is the same

It's wrong! There are different forms of vitamin D – D2, D3 and others. Although their intake as a whole affects the total amount of vitamin D, however, the properties of all of them are more or less different. Taking vitamin D3 is recommended when the deficiency is caused by limiting the time spent in the sun. Vitamin D2 is important in case of nutritional deficiency.

Fact: Vitamin D is important Deficiency determination by laboratory methods and determination of the cause of the deficiency in order to obtain the appropriate supplement.

5. Myth: All people living in cold climates have D He has a vitamin deficiency

Everyone develops vitamin D deficiency. The sun is one source of vitamin D, so people living in sunny areas may not develop a deficiency of vitamin D3, but a deficiency of the D2 form associated with food may always occur in all climates.

Fact: People living in cold climates are more prone to D to vitamin deficiency, although any person may develop a deficiency.

6. Myth: D Vitamin deficiency only affects the bones

Vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism, in the development of diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets, but its role in the body is not limited to this.

Fact: In addition to bones, vitamin D ensures the functioning of muscles and the immune system. The immune system protects us not only from bacteria and viruses, but also from the development of many chronic and cancerous processes.

7. Myth: All people D The same dose of vitamin is needed

The average daily dose of vitamin D for adults is 400-800 IU, although the exact amount is determined by the degree of deficiency, cause, geographic area, clinical manifestations, and more.

Fact: D The need for vitamins is determined by many factors. Therapeutic and prophylactic doses are different.

8. Myth: D Taking any dose of vitamin is safe for health

Too much is dangerous! It is important to determine the exact rate of deficiency and, accordingly, the correct dose

Fact: D Vitamin excess has a toxic effect and is manifested by: loss of appetite, nausea-vomiting, constipation, symptoms of dehydration, muscle weakness and sometimes changes in consciousness.

How to keep D Normal level of vitamin in the body?

• Spend enough time in the sun. Don't forget to choose the right time and sunscreen too
• Eat foods rich in vitamin D.
• Choose the right form of vitamin D that you need - depending on the reason for the deficiency.
• Control your weight. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in adipose tissue. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.
• Control other pathologies as well - liver damage, cystic fibrosis and many others, reduce the absorption of vitamin D.
• Get regular check-ups – both to check your general health and to detect vitamin D deficiency

Rheumatoid arthritis 

For diagnostics and monitoring of vitamin D deficiency, "Synevo" We offer:

Health care starts with accurate analyzes

Resources

https://www.eular.org/world-arthritis-day-general-information

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge