Vitamin D

What is vitamin D

Forms of Vitamin D:

• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Ergocalciferol is a form of it Vitamin D, also known as Vitamin D2. It comes from plant sources and specifically from the energy selector of provitamin D2 (ergosterol) in the skin of plants through their exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. It comes from plant sources, such as mushrooms, and can also be used in dietary supplements
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Cholecalciferol is found in animal products, such as fish oil (salmon, sardines, and anchovies), eggs, milk, and dairy products. Cholecalciferol is also considered the most bioavailable form of Vitamin D, that is, the one that is best absorbed and used by our body. When our body is exposed to the sun, UVB rays cause the skin to produce provitamin D3, which is then converted to cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is then transported to the liver and kidneys, where it is converted to the active form of vitamin D, also known as 1,25-dioxyvitamin D.

Foods that contain vitamin D:

1. Fat fish is covered, such as:
   • Salmon
   • Sardine
   • Tuna fish
2. Seafood is covered, such as:
   • Shrimps
   • Oysters
3. Eggs (mainly the yolk)
4. Cheese
5. Butter
6. Mushrooms

Properties and benefits of vitamin D:

• Contributes to maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
• It participates in its normal operation immune system.
• He is involved in the process cell division.

Effects of vitamin D deficiency:

• Decreased absorption of calcium and phosphorus: H Vitamin D contributes to its normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus by the organization. THE vitamin D deficiency can lead to reduced availability of these important minerals.
• Increased risk of rickets in children: H vitamin D deficiency in children it can lead to rickets, a disease that affects the development of bones and teeth.
• Increased risk of osteoporosis in adults: Vitamin D deficiency in adults can contribute to its occurrence osteoporosis, of a situation where the bones they become weak and vulnerable to fractures.

Vitamin D deficiency diseases:

• Weak immune and muscular system
• Psoriasis
• Disorders of the thyroid gland
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Diabetes

Vitamin D deficiency occurs mainly in:

• People with limited or no sun exposure, such as people who cover the skin them with clothes and sunscreens, elderly people and people who are being treated in an enclosed space due to illness
• Pregnant, nursing mothers
• People with dark skin color, because melanin makes it difficult to absorb solar radiation
• People like infants, children and adults who do not have sufficient exposure to solar radiation

Categories of people who should avoid hypervitaminosis:

• People with hypercalciuria: This is a condition where the body excretes excessive amounts of calcium through urination. Taking excessive amounts Vitamin D can increase blood calcium levels and make it worse hypercalciuria.
• People with hypercalcemia: This is about excessive presence of calcium in the blood. The excessive download Vitamin D can further increase calcium levels and make it worse hypercalcemia.
• People with severe kidney disease: In some cases, kidney function can affect its processing Vitamin D in the organization. People with severe kidney disease should consult their healthcare professional for proper dosage.

Symptoms of Hypervitaminosis and overdose:

• Organ Malfunction: Hypercalcemia can lead to organ dysfunction, including the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. This can cause problems such as kidney failure or heart failure.
• Changes in Mental Status: Changes in mental status, such as confusion, detachment, restlessness, and depression, can also be a consequence of hypervitaminosis D.
• Stomach problems: H hypervitaminosis D can cause stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Recommended Daily Intake

• For infants until 12 months: 400-1000 IU (10-25 µg) per day.
• For children age 1-18 years: 600-1000 IU (15-25 µg) per day.
• For adults age 19-70 years: 600-800 IU (15-20 µg) per day.
• For elderly people over 70 years: 800-1000 IU (20-25 µg) per day.