Once upon a time, vitamin D was thought to be good only for teeth and bones, but over time other circumstances became clear. The fact is that this trace element is associated with numerous health problems. It is even proved that the risk of getting cancer and diabetes increases if a person suffers from a lack of vitamin D. In our country, this phenomenon is quite common, since most regions do not receive the dose of sunlight that is necessary for the synthesis of this trace element. So why is vitamin D deficiency dangerous ? Symptoms in adults, a photo of how the disease manifests itself and how to treat it - all this you will find in our article.
What is calciferol?
Vitamin D, or, as it is called scientifically, calciferol, is a group of biologically active and fat-soluble provitamins: cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol. This element was discovered almost 95 years ago by the American biochemist Elmer McCollum. And they used it mainly for the treatment of bone diseases (rickets, osteoporosis). Today, vitamin D deficiency, whose symptoms in adults are manifested mainly by frequent fractures, can have more serious consequences for human health.
As already said, two active provitamins of calciferol are isolated.
- Cholecalciferol or D3.
- Ergocalciferol or D2.
The first provitamin is formed under the influence of ultraviolet rays. And the second is ingested with food. To see how invaluable this element is, consider the functions that it performs:
- The main elements for the formation of our teeth and bones are calcium and magnesium, and vitamin D is necessary for their proper absorption.
- Also, this "solar vitamin" is actively involved in the development and growth of cells. Prevents the growth of cancer cells.
- Vitamin D enhances immunity, provides healthy blood coagulation and thyroid function.
- Provides the normal functioning of nerve impulses.
- Vitamin D has an effect on blood sugar.
In fact, this is only a small part of how vitamin D affects the human body.
What is the daily rate of calciferol?
The daily rate of calciferol directly depends on the person’s age, on his physical activity and even on where he lives. For example, for the smallest (from a year to three years) it is necessary to receive 10 mcg of this element per day. The same dose should be provided to pregnant and lactating women. Adults need only 2.5 mcg per day. For older people, the dosage is increased to 15 mcg. There are also some factors in which the daily allowance should be increased. For example, people who live in the northern regions are more likely to suffer from a lack of sun, their daily requirement should be above 10 mcg. Also if people who work at night and sleep when the sun is shining on the street. They also need increased intake of vitamin D.
Causes of deficiency of "solar vitamin"
The main reason for the deficiency of vitamin D in the body is still the wrong way of life. Poor diet, lack of physical activity - all this leads to a lack of essential trace elements. But there are a number of other factors that do not depend on lifestyle, while affecting the content of this vitamin in the body:
- Elderly age. The fact is that in the elderly the absorption function of this microelement is violated in the body, therefore it is supplied in insufficient quantities, and a deficiency of vitamin D is formed. Symptoms in the elderly with this disease, as a rule, are not noticed, referring to age.
- "Sunny" ban. It happens that doctors simply categorically forbid sunbathing, for example, with skin cancer. In other cases, you can sunbathe. Just choose the right time for this and do not sunbathe through the glass.
- Dark skin. Dark skin color prevents the synthesis of vitamin D, because an excess of melanin protects against ultraviolet rays.
- Pregnancy and lactation. During this period, the future mother breaks the balance of calcium and phosphorus, and all the nutrients go to the development of the baby, and the mother is left with nothing.
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys. These organs play a major role in turning the vitamin into an active form, so if they fail, a deficiency of an important element is provided.
Vitamin D deficiency: adult symptoms
Lack of vitamin D only at the initial stage may not make itself felt, but soon you will notice how your condition worsened and, as you think, for no apparent reason. To understand how this disease manifests itself, you need to know the main signs, because many do not even suspect that they have a deficiency of vitamin D. Symptoms in adults with this disease are as follows:
- General weakness.
- Nervousness, irritability and depression.
- Stool problems.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Dental problems, namely caries, loosening or complete loss.
- Visual impairment.
- Fragility and fragility of bones.
- Muscle weakness.
- Increased sweating of the head.
- Loss of appetite and, as a result, weight loss.
- Joint pain.
- Muscle cramps.
- It is believed that with such an ailment as a lack of vitamin D (symptoms in adults), peeling may appear on the skin.
Since all of the listed symptoms can be signs of other diseases, it is important to contact an experienced specialist who will conduct all relevant studies and prescribe effective treatment.
Treatment
Now you know what vitamin D deficiency is, symptoms in adults. How to treat this problem? The time has come to discuss this issue. In fact, there is nothing complicated and all the more expensive. It is enough to carry out simple, but everyday actions:
- The easiest way to get the necessary dose is to take a walk outside in sunny weather. Only half an hour is enough.
- You can take dietary supplements that are sold in pharmacies and are inexpensive.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D regularly. We have presented the list below.
- Conducting ultraviolet radiation in a hospital.
- Treatment of diseases of the internal organs.
Why is vitamin D deficiency dangerous?
Probably, it seems to many that a banal lack of calciferol does not threaten anything, but this is a great misconception. It can lead to more serious consequences if measures for its treatment are not taken in time, for example, such as:
- Asthma.
- Osteoporosis.
- Oncology.
- Hypertension.
- Migraine.
- Diabetes.
- Atherosclerosis.
Many women are probably interested in the question of how the lack of vitamin D (symptoms in adults) is reflected on the skin from manifestations in children. Of course, each vitamin has some value for the health of appearance, but as for this trace element, there is no definite answer. Some studies were carried out, and as it turned out, one component of people with dry skin was found to have a deficiency of this component, while the other was missing.
Vitamin D Rich Foods
Calciferol is found only in animal foods. We offer you a list of 10 foods that are rich in vitamin D:
- Beef liver.
- Chicken egg, namely the yolk.
- Butter.
- Cottage cheese.
- Cheese.
- Sour cream.
- Cream.
- Liver of marine fish.
- Milk.
- Mushrooms.
Conclusion
The disadvantage of calciferol is easily eliminated, the main thing is to notice this problem in time and begin to solve it. Indeed, it is not the deficit itself that is dangerous, but the consequences that it drags along with itself. After reading this article, you now know what vitamin D deficiency is, symptoms in adults, how to treat this disease at home, and much more. Be attentive to your health!