Once upon a time, it was thought that vitamin D was good only for teeth and bones, but over time, other circumstances became clear. The fact is that this microelement is associated with numerous he alth problems. It has even been proven 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, photos, how the disease manifests itself and how to treat it - you will find all this in our article.
What is calciferol?
Vitamin D, or, as it is scientifically called, calciferol, is a group of biologically active and fat-soluble provitamins: cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol. This element was discovered almost 95 years ago by the Americanbiochemist Elmer McCollum. And they used it mainly for the treatment of bone diseases (rickets, osteoporosis). Today, vitamin D deficiency, whose symptoms in adults are mostly fractures, may have more serious consequences for human he alth.
As already mentioned, two active provitamins calciferol are isolated.
- Cholecalciferol or D3.
- Ergocalciferol or D2.
The first provitamin is formed under the action of ultraviolet rays. And the second enters the body with food. To see how useful this element is invaluable, consider the functions that it performs:
- The main elements for the formation of our teeth and bones are calcium and magnesium, so vitamin D is necessary for their proper absorption.
- Also, this "sunshine vitamin" is actively involved in the development and growth of cells. Prevents cancer cells from multiplying.
- Vitamin D boosts immunity, ensures he althy blood clotting and thyroid function.
- Ensures the normal functioning of nerve impulses.
- Vitamin D affects blood sugar levels.
In fact, this is only a small part of how vitamin D affects the human body.
What is the daily value of calciferol?
The daily norm of calciferol directly depends on the age of the person, on his physical activity and even on where he lives. For example, for the smallest (from one to three years old), it is necessary to receive 10 micrograms of this element per day. The same dose should beprovided to pregnant and lactating women. Adults only need 2.5 mcg per day. For older people, the dosage is increased to 15 mcg. There are also some factors in which the daily rate 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 micrograms. Also if people who work at night and sleep when the sun is shining outside. They also need more vitamin D.
Causes of "sunshine vitamin" deficiency
The main cause of vitamin D deficiency in the body is still the wrong lifestyle. 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:
- Old age. The fact is that in old age the absorption function of this microelement is disturbed in the body, therefore it does not come in enough quantity, and a lack of vitamin D is formed. Symptoms in older people with this disease, as a rule, are not noticed, referring to age.
- "Sunny" ban. It happens that doctors simply categorically forbid sunbathing, for example, in case of 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 interferes with the synthesis of vitamin D,because an excess of melanin protects against ultraviolet rays.
- Pregnancy and lactation. During this period, the balance of calcium and phosphorus is disturbed in the expectant mother, and all the useful substances 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 converting the vitamin into its active form, so if they fail, a deficiency of an important element is guaranteed.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms in Adults
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 it seems to you, 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 lack of vitamin D. Symptoms in adults with this disease are as follows:
- General weakness.
- Nervousness, irritability and depression.
- Stool problems.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Problems with teeth, namely, the appearance of caries, loosening or complete loss.
- Deterioration of vision.
- Fragility and fragility of bones.
- Muscle weakness.
- Excessive head sweating.
- Loss of appetite and consequent weight loss.
- Pain in the joints.
- 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.
Because all of the above symptomsmay 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? It's time to discuss this issue. In fact, there is nothing complicated and even more expensive in this. It is enough to perform simple but everyday actions:
- The easiest way to get your dose is to go outside on a sunny day. Just half an hour is enough.
- You can take dietary supplements that are sold in pharmacies and are inexpensive.
- Regularly eat foods that are rich in vitamin D. We have presented the list below.
- Carrying out ultraviolet irradiation in a hospital.
- Treatment of diseases of internal organs.
What is the danger of vitamin D deficiency?
Probably, it seems to many that a banal lack of calciferol does not threaten anything, but this is a great delusion. It can lead to more serious consequences if measures are not taken in time to treat it, for example, such as:
- Asthma.
- Osteoporosis.
- Oncology.
- Hypertension.
- Migraines.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Atherosclerosis.
Many women are probably interested in the question of how the shortage is reflectedvitamin D (symptoms in adults) on the skin from manifestations in children. Of course, each vitamin has its own significance for the he alth of the appearance, but as for this microelement, there is no definite answer. Some studies have been done, and as it turned out, one part of people with dry skin were found to be deficient in this component, while the other was absent.
Foods rich in vitamin D
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.
- Sea fish liver.
- Milk.
- Mushrooms.
Conclusion
The lack of calciferol is easily eliminated, the main thing is to notice this problem in time and start solving it. After all, it is not the deficit itself that is dangerous, but the consequences that it entails. After reading this article, you now know what vitamin D deficiency is, symptoms in adults, how to treat this ailment at home, and much more. Take care of your he alth!
