Key takeaways on VITAMIN D

General
, ,
1

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.

It is also called the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

TYPES OF VITAMIN D:

  • Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol): It is obtained from plant sources.
  • Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): It is obtained from sunlight and animal sources and considered more effective.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D

Natural sources:

  • Sunlight (morning or late afternoon exposure)
  • fatty fish like salmon, sardines
  • Egg yolk
  • liver

Fortified foods:

  • Milk and dairy products
  • Cereals
  • Butter

Supplements:

  • It is used when dietary intake and sunlight are insufficient (as advised by doctors).

FUNCTIONS AND IMPORTANCE:

  • It helps in absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
  • It helps to maintain strong bones and teeth.
  • It helps to prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
  • It helps to support the immune system.
  • It helps to improve muscle strength and balance.
  • It also helps to reduce the risk of bone fractures.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Causes:

  • Limited sun exposure
  • Indoor lifestyle
  • Poor diet
  • Dark skin (reduces synthesis)
  • Malabsorption disorders

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Bone pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Delayed growth in children

HEALTH CONDITIONS LINKED TO DEFICIENCY

  • Rickets
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteomalacia
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Muscle cramps and weakness

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

  • Regular safe sun exposure(15-30 minutes).
  • Balanced diet including Vitamin D rich foods.
  • Supplements when prescribed.
  • Awareness and routine screening in high-risk individuals.

Ensuring sufficient Vitamin D intake is vital for long-term health and well-being.

“Despite its importance, why is Vitamin D deficiency still so common today?”

MBH/PS

7 Likes
2

I feel it is due to limited sun exposure & indoor lifestyles most of children now a days don’t go outside to play instead stay home and play games on mobile/ watching TV is a major factor

2 Likes
3

Nicely written. Vitamin D is often overlooked until symptoms appear. This deficiency feels more like a lifestyle issue than a medical condition. But prevention through regular sunlight exposure, proper diet and timely supplementation if needed can protect long-term health.

1 Like
4

Vitamin D rarely gets attention unless there’s a bone or muscle issue. This lack of routine screening and public discussion may be one reason deficiency remains so common.

1 Like
5

Vitamin D deficiency has become very common, especially due to limited sun exposure and indoor lifestyles. Timely screening and adequate supplementation can make a huge difference in overall health

1 Like
6

Vitamin D deficiency is very common and most Indians refuse to believe they have vitamin D deficiency inspite of living under scorching sun.

1 Like
7

Yes, vitamin D is very important and an essential vitamin for the proper growth and maintenance of bone health but its deficiency issue is rising day by day because now a days lot of sedentary lifestyle work is increasing and no one is ready to exercise and go out for walk in the early morning sun which is the major issue.

Also the environment is a very closed space with air conditioning everywhere, with no space left for sunlight to enter that space, which is also a major issue.

if we can work on reducing the air conditioned work environment, sedentry lifestyle issues almost half of our problems can be solved and we can do more better vitamin d progress.

1 Like
8

Actually, this was a very enlightening post! Indeed, vitamin D is more than what can be considered a “sunshine vitamin,” and it has many uses, including being instrumental in helping the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is crucial for keeping healthy bones and teeth and preventing rickets and osteomalacia, among others. It has many uses, including being crucial for our immune and muscle function and lowering our susceptibility to infections and bone fractures, which can all be prevented by having sufficient vitamin D in our bodies, particularly for those who spend most of their lives inside and have very little exposure to the sun.

1 Like
9

Safe exposure to morning sun and a balanced diet can ensure Vitamin D levels are within the normal range. Vitamin D levels can be compromised when there is limited sun exposure. It is more common in pure vegetarian diets with no additional supplements.