Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin which acts like a hormone while directing the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It functions is mainly of controlling the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. Children and infants who have Vitamin D deficiency can have the deformed bones characteristic of rickets. Even adults with its deficiency can have a softening of the bones known as osteomalacia. Usually it is often seen that people cover their bodies with clothes and the reason is the Vitamin deficiency. Conversely, an additional amount of the vitamin can cause loss of hunger, weight loss, vomiting, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys. So, you should be careful in consuming victuals to balance your necessary vitamins.
Cod liver is the finest source of Vitamin D dietary available. Some amount of Vitamin D is found in egg yolks and butter which should be taken at regular intervals. Yet, mere consumption of food is not sufficient; because the maximum amount of vitamin D in the body is created during a chemical reaction in the sunlight when the skin gets exposed to it. It has been proved in the researches the insignificant levels of vitamin D in patients with autoimmune disease are the result of having this disease and supplementing with this nutrient may even worsen the condition of the patient.
Osteomalacia, a bone-thinning disorder, occurs exclusively in adults due to the deficiency of Vitamin D. This disease can be easily treated with vitamin D. And sometimes combining calcium supplements to it also proves to be effective. Vitamin D insufficiency can cause a bone-thinning disorder that occurs exclusively in adults or people of almost all ages. The deficiency occurs mostly in winter because of inadequate sunlight exposure during that season. Furthermore, places with highly atmospheric pollution block the sun’s ultraviolet rays, this can also raise the risk of deficiency of vitamin D.
The deficiency of Vitamin D is commonly found in strict vegetarians, dark-skinned people, and those people having liver or kidney disease. This deficiency is also noticed in people suffering from intestinal mal-absorption which is caused due to some prior intestinal surgeries, or from celiac disease.
Short of Vitamin D in the body can lead to cause several chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, tuberculosis, cancer, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, seasonal affective disorder, peripheral artery disease, cognitive impairment which causes memory loss and hazy brain functioning. Children with Vitamin D deficiency suffer from disease called rickets which is characterized by impeded growth, and deformity, of the long bones. People ailing from hyperparathyroidism also have the tendency of Vitamin D deficiency. This is the condition in which the parathyroid gland is overactive. People with advanced prostrate cancer also suffer from the deficiency of Vitamin D.
The strict vegans are lacking in Vitamin D, they should obtain adequate vitamin D. It is essential to include vitamins in their diet during the winter which can be ensured by consuming fortified products or supplements. The breast feeding vegan women of the northern latitudes are seen to be victim of such deficiency and so they should ensure of their vitamin intake during winter by using fortified foods or by taking supplements. Eventually, it is recommended that parents should take in vitamin D fortified foods or supplements to the diet of their infants during the winter months, particularly if they are having dark complexion.
