While 10-20% of vitamin D is taken with food, the majority (80-90%) is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Direct sunlight contact to the skin is required for synthesis. Sunbathing behind glass and tulle prevents vitamin D synthesis. The use of sunscreen creams with a factor level of 15 or above prevents 99% of the sun's rays from reaching the skin, preventing the formation of vitamin D. At the latitude of our country, the most effective synthesis occurs between May and November and between 10-15 o'clock. If the whole body is exposed to sunlight, sufficient vitamin D synthesis can occur within 15-45 minutes.
Another important source of vitamin D is foods. Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardine…), fish oil, butter, milk, oats, sweet potatoes, egg yolk, oils, liver, parsley, nettle, clover.
Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially during the winter months. These are insufficient sunbathing, low consumption of foods rich in vitamin D, insufficient absorption from the intestines for various reasons, and disorders of organs such as the liver and kidneys that play a role in vitamin D metabolism.
Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed by measuring vitamin D levels in individuals at risk. Especially people at risk; Those who spend most of their time indoors, those who are bedridden/homebound, those who stay in nursing homes/nursing homes, those with liver disease, those with kidney disease, those with osteoporosis, those with bone fractures, those with low blood calcium, those with low blood phosphorus, those who are obese, those with hyperparathyroidism, those taking cortisone. Vitamin D levels should be checked in those who wear closed clothing styles. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D level should be above 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L).
Although most patients do not have any symptoms or signs, serious and long-term vitamin D deficiency causes osteoporosis, widespread bone-muscle pain, bone tenderness, muscle weakness, difficulty in walking and bone fractures. may develop.
If the vitamin D level is below 30 ng/ml, treatment is required.
The goal of treatment is to keep the serum 25(0H)vitamin D level between 30-50 ng/ml.
The daily vitamin D requirement in adults is determined as 800-1500 lU.
Adequate calcium intake (1000 mg per day) along with vitamin D should be ensured.
Read: 0
