Is Vitamin D a Hormone or a Vitamin?
The debate about whether it is a hormone or a vitamin still continues. In fact, although we accept it as a vitamin, the fact that it can be synthesized in the body and its synthesis decreases and increases depending on the level in the blood shows that it has the feature of being a hormone. Whether it is a hormone or vitamin D, vitamin D is a blessing for our body, its deficiency can cause many health problems. For this reason, it is very important to have your vitamin D level measured and take supplements if necessary.
Who Can Have Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is not only It is one of the most common inadequacies not only in our country but also in the world. It is more common especially in countries deprived of sun exposure and in dark-skinned individuals. Deficiency may be more common in the elderly due to decreased sun exposure. Deficiency is more likely to occur in those who use sunscreen, in patients with liver and kidney failure, in obese individuals, in those with malabsorption such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and in those using steroid group drugs.
Normal Vitamin D in the Blood. What is its level?
The 25OH vitamin D level in the blood is the parameter that shows the vitamin D status.
< 10 ng /ml – severe deficiency
10 ng/ml – 20ng/ml – deficiency
21 ng/ml – 29ng/ml – deficiency
>30 ng/ml – sufficient
>150 ng/ml – toxic
What are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?
If you experience widespread bone and muscle pain, bone tenderness, muscle weakness, walking difficulty, imbalance, frequent fractures, check your vitamin D level. It is useful to have it measured.
What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?
The latest research shows that vitamin D deficiency can cause many diseases. . It is thought that schizophrenia, depression, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, MS, osteoarthritis, osteomalacia, rickets and many types of cancer may be related to vitamin D.
How is Vitamin D Synthesized?
Vitamin D is considered a fat-soluble vitamin. Approximately 80-90% of the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. It is synthesized thanks to its rays. 10%-20% is taken through food.
It is very important to provide suitable conditions to synthesize vitamin D through sunlight;
>• The skin needs to be exposed to direct sunlight, there is no synthesis of vitamin D when it is behind a window or glass.
• Body cream with more than 8 factors prevents the synthesis of vitamin D.
• The zenith angle, which is a special angle at which the sun's rays reach the earth's surface, is necessary for vitamin D synthesis.
• Vitamin D synthesis for our country is between May and November. It takes place between the months.
• For the appropriate beam angle, the hours are between 10.00 - 5.00.
Which Foods Contain Vitamin D?
Oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, eggs and liver are among the foods containing vitamin D. But none of these are rich resources. In other words, it is very difficult to eliminate vitamin D deficiency with daily nutrition. Vitamin D enrichment is done in dairy products abroad, but this is not currently a mandatory practice in our country.
How Much Vitamin D Should We Take?
The World Health Organization recommends 400-800 IU/day of vitamin D in adults, regardless of the vitamin D level in the blood. In cases of insufficiency or deficiency, the dose may be increased under the supervision of a physician.
How Should Vitamin D Supplementation Be in Babies?
The World Health Organization recommends that vitamin D supplementation in adults is recommended. It recommends 400-800 IU/day of vitamin D, regardless of vitamin D level. In cases of insufficiency or deficiency, the dose may be increased under the supervision of a physician.
How much Vitamin D should pregnant and breastfeeding mothers take?
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers Vitamin D should be monitored in mothers. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational hypertension and cesarean delivery. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should take at least 1,000 IU vitamin D supplements per day.
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