Vitamin D is part of a group of fat-soluble vitamins that can be obtained from certain foods, sunlight, and nutritional supplements. The main role of vitamin D is to aid in calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as bone mineralization. To date, different forms of vitamin D have been discovered, namely vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively.
Vitamin D deficiency: Low food intake or insufficient exposure to sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency in the human body. Some studies have defined deficiency as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of less than 20 nanograms per milliliter (50 nmol per liter), and insufficiency is defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 20 to 30 nanograms per milliliter (50 to 75 nmol per liter). In cases of insufficient vitamin D levels, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is brought to the kidneys, and thus the kidneys cannot respond normally and fail to connect with calcium in the blood. The levels of calcium phosphate crystals begin to decrease, and thus less soft tissue is formed in the body. Reduced calcium from the circulation also causes the bones to release all available calcium, in order to restore the blood calcium level to a normal level. As a result, the bones become soft and bendable. Calcium in bones activates the action of osteoclasts and also acts as a bone compound. However, vitamin D deficiency can cause bones to be stripped of material. Some important symptoms are bone pain, osteomalacia, frequent bone fractures, bone deformities, or delayed growth in children.
Vitamin D deficiency may lead to chronic pain and weakness in the lower extremities in people. It can negatively affect bone growth and human health. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be 21% in adolescents, 58% in adults, and 54% in older adults living at home. However, the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are subtle or non-specific. Over the past decade, vitamin D has been linked to a very wide range of diseases, with sufficient evidence emerging from fractures, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and altered immune function.
To prevent the problem of vitamin D deficiency in some geographical areas, for example, southern European and Middle Eastern countries, general measures should be taken, such as increasing the use of fortified foods such as milk and vitamin D supplementation to high levels. at-risk groups. As we know, vitamin D deficiency will have a negative impact on our health, and therefore we must pay great attention to avoid skin cancer due to excessive exposure to sunlight. It is highly recommended to seek expert advice regarding vitamin D intake if any signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency occur.
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