Contents
These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults. Information: There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Benefits
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It may also protect against a range of diseases and conditions, such as type 1 diabetes. Despite its name, vitamin D is not a vitamin, but a prohormone, or precursor of a hormone.
Deficiency
Geographical location: People who live in northern latitudes or areas of high pollution, work night shifts, or are homebound should aim to consume vitamin D from food sources whenever possible.
Breastfeeding: Infants who exclusively breastfeed need a vitamin D supplement, especially if they have dark skin or have minimal sun exposure. Although people can take vitamin D supplements, it is best to obtain any vitamins or minerals through natural sources wherever possible. Symptoms Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include: regular sickness or infection
fatigue
bone and back pain
low mood
impaired wound healing
hair loss
muscle pain If Vitamin D deficiency continues for long periods, it may result in complications , such as: cardiovascular conditions
autoimmune problems
neurological diseases
infections
pregnancy complications
certain cancers, especially breast, prostate, and colon.
The recommended daily intakes of vitamin D are as follows: Infants 0–12 months: 400 IU (10 mcg). 600 IU (15 mcg). Adults up to 70 years: 600 IU (15 mcg).
Adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg).
How Much Vitamin D Should You Be Getting?
In” because it’s produced within the body when the sun hits the skin. But many people turn to supplements in chillier months of the year when cold and dark days limit time spent outdoors.
Over the past couple of decades, the number of Americans with sufficient levels has decreased. “Adults achieving vitamin D sufficiency has dropped from 60 percent in the early 1990s to 30 percent in the early 2000s,” says Kerry Clifford, a registered dietitian who works for the National Dairy Council, citing a past study of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Those who are nonwhite, obese, or without a college education are at greater risk of not having adequate vitamin D levels.
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Drinking less milk (a beverage that has been fortified with vitamin D since the 1930s) and using sunscreen are among the reasons that Vitamin D status in Americans has dropped over the years, says Clifford. Indeed, the National Institutes of Health notes that deficiency has become more common in men in particular, likely due to rising weight, reduced milk drinking, and more use of sunscreen outdoors. Vitamin D is also helpful in reducing inflammation and boosting immune function and cell growth.