Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vital vitamin that aids in the body’s regulation of calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, it helps to maintain healthy bone structure. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) are two of the various forms of vitamin Fortified milk, fish, and eggs all contain vitamin D.When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it also produces it.

Vitamin D is stored in fat when there is sunlight, and it is released when there isn’t any. Vitamin D deficiency is frequently treated and prevented with vitamin D supplements. People over 65 and those who don’t get enough sun are at risk for deficiency. Many conditions, including heart disease, asthma, hay fever, and weak and brittle bones, are also treated with vitamin D, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support many of these applications. It is essential to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, which can be accomplished by either getting 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure each day or taking 400 to 1000 IU of vitamin D.

Uses & Effectiveness:
Effective for:

A rare, inherited bone disorder marked by low levels of phosphate in the blood (familial hypophosphatemia). Taking specific forms of vitamin D, called calcitriol or dihydrotachysterol, by mouth along with phosphate supplements is effective for treating bone disorders in people with low levels of phosphate in the blood.

Underactive parathyroid (hyperparathyroidism): Taking specific forms of vitamin D, called dihydrotachysterol, calcitriol, or ergocalciferol, by mouth is effective for increasing calcium blood levels in people with low parathyroid hormone levels.

Softening of the bones (osteomalacia): Taking vitamin D3 by mouth is effective for treating this condition.

A bone disorder that occurs in people with kidney disease (renal osteodystrophy):Taking a specific form of vitamin D, called calcitriol, by mouth helps to manage low calcium levels and prevent bone loss in people with kidney failure.

Rickets: Taking vitamin D by mouth is effective for preventing and treating rickets. A specific form of vitamin D, called calcitriol, should be used in people with kidney failure.

Vitamin D deficiency: Taking vitamin D by mouth is effective for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency:

Several factors can affect your ability to get adequate vitamin D from sunlight alone.

You may be less likely to absorb enough vitamin D from the sun if you:

• Live in an area with high pollution
• Use sunscreen
• Spend most of your time indoors
• Live in a big city where buildings block sunlight
• Have darker skin (The higher the levels of melanin, the less vitamin D your skin can absorb.)

These factors can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. That’s why it’s important to get some of your vitamin D from non-sunlight sources.

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency in adults may include:

• Tiredness, aches, and pains
• Severe bone or muscle pain or weakness
• Stress fractures, especially in your legs, pelvis, and hips

Some food sources of vitamin D:

Some foods contain vitamin D naturally, and others are fortified with it. You can find vitamin D in the following foods (1Trusted Source):

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Herring
• Canned tuna
• Cod liver oil
• Beef liver
• Egg yolk
• Shrimp
• Regular mushrooms and those treated with ultraviolet light
• Milk (fortified)
• Certain cereals
• Yogurt (fortified)
• Orange juice (fortified)

Dosing:

Vitamin D is a necessary nutrient. Vitamin D can be found in fortified milk, fish, eggs, and other foods. The amount of vitamin D that should be consumed daily is known as the recommended dietary allowance (RDA).For individuals aged 1 to 70, the recommended daily allowance is 600 IU (15 mcg), while for those aged 71 and up, the RDA is 800 IU (20 mcg).The recommended daily intake is 600 IU (15 mcg) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The RDA for children varies by age. After exposure to the sun, the skin also produces vitamin D.For most people, getting 15 to 30 minutes of sun each day should be enough to keep their vitamin D levels normal.

Unless under the care of a healthcare professional, the majority of people should not consume more than 4000 IU per day. Consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate dosage for a given condition.

Special precautions and Warnings for Ingestion:

When taken in the recommended amounts, vitamin D probably doesn’t hurt.Vitamin D is safe for most people to take unless they take too much. Too much vitamin D can cause weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It is possible that taking vitamin D in doses greater than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for extended periods of time could be harmful and result in extremely high calcium levels in the blood.

 Nursing and becoming pregnant:Vitamin D is probable protected during pregnancy and bosom taking care of when utilized in everyday sums under 4000 IU (100 mcg).Unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider, do not use higher doses. When consumed in greater quantities during pregnancy or while nursing, vitamin D may pose a risk. The infant may be harmed if higher doses are used.

Children: When taken orally in the recommended quantities, vitamin D appears to be safe for children. But taking more vitamin D over a long period of time may be dangerous. A daily dose of 1000 IU (25 mcg) should not be taken by infants under six months of age. The recommended daily dosage for infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months is 1500 IU (37.5 mcg).Limit daily intake to 2500 IU (62.5 mcg) for children aged 1-3.A daily dose of 3000 IU (75 mcg) should not be taken by children aged 4 to 8 years. Maximum daily intake should not exceed 4000 IU (100 mcg) for children over the age of nine.