Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in fatty fish such as sardines, tuna, swordfish, liver, cheese and eggs. It is also added to dairy products, fruit juice and cereals in some countries. However, 80-90% of it is produced by the body itself under the influence of sunlight. Vitamin D taken from sunlight, food and supplements is not active. It turns into calcidiol, i.e. 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D), in the liver, and then turns into physiologically active calcitriol, i.e. 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D), in the kidney.< br />
Vitamin D ensures the necessary calcium and phosphorus balance by ensuring calcium absorption from the intestine. In its deficiency, bones become thin and fragile as bone development and restructuring will be impaired. Vitamin D also plays an important role in cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and inflammation. Genes encoding proteins that play a role in cell construction, change and death are also regulated by vitamin D. Serum 25(OH) D level is the best indicator to determine vitamin D level, as its half-life is approximately 15 days. On the other hand, 1,25(OH) D, which has an average half-life of 15 hours, should not be checked except in some special cases as it is not a good indicator. There is no consensus regarding the normal 25(OH) D level; in terms of general approach, it is appropriate to be between 30-50 ng/mL. Under normal conditions, 400-800 IU of vitamin D per day is sufficient. If the person cannot meet his needs with food and sunlight, he should take supplements. Although some sources recommend taking 2000 IU of vitamin D per day, high doses do not provide any added benefit. In those taking doses over 1000 IU per day, each 40 IU vitamin D intake increases the 25(OH) D level by an average of 1 nmol/L; At doses below 600 IU, each 40 IU vitamin D intake increases the 25(OH) D level by an average of 2.3 nmol/L. In addition to the daily dose, the current 25(OH) D level is also important in effectiveness, the benefit is higher in those with low levels.
High dose vitamin D supplement, osteoporosis (bone loss), prostate, breast and colon It is recommended for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis and vitiligo, but its effectiveness in cases other than osteoporosis is controversial. While some studies show it to be effective, some No benefit has been seen. In fact, some studies have even stated that it may increase the risk of cancer.
Recently, there has been a craze for high-dose vitamin D supplements in our country. Devit 3 ampoule is highly recommended by some of our colleagues or friends of the person at frequent intervals, regardless of the 25(OH) D level. Each ampoule contains 300,000 IU of vitamin D. Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is ignored that excess can accumulate in the body and cause vitamin D poisoning. Excess vitamin D can lead to high calcium levels, causing serious heart rhythm disturbances and damage to the heart, blood vessels and kidneys as a result of vascular and tissue calcification. Absolutely, high doses of D without checking the 25(OH) D level. Do not take vitamins, you may see more harm than good.
Read: 0
