The importance of vitamin D for healthy bones is well known. However, vitamin D is of great importance not only for bone health, but also for many diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. Vitamin D, which increases immunity, needs to be stored by the body to avoid diseases such as flu and cold, especially in winter. Dr. Instructor Member Burcu Çakmak Sancar shared information about the storage of vitamin D in the body, saying that many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency especially in winter.
SUN CREAM PREVENTS THE CONTACT OF SUN RAYS WITH THE SKIN
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under the influence of the sun’s ultraviolet B rays in summer or is obtained from some animal foods, especially oily fish. Noting that not getting enough ultraviolet light and preventing its contact with the skin cause insufficient vitamin D synthesis, Dr. Faculty Member Burcu Çakmak Sancar stated that especially sunscreens prevent the contact of sun rays with the skin.
IT PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER
Explaining the role of vitamin D in the body, Sancar said, “Vitamin D is mainly involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. Increases the reabsorption of calcium from the intestines. Thus, it contributes to the accumulation of calcium and phosphorus in the bone tissue. Although this is the most well-known task, vitamin D also has much more important tasks. It also has an immune-boosting effect. It has a protective effect against many diseases as it increases the immunity of the body. It regulates the heart rhythm. It is also protective against heart diseases and osteoporosis.
THE SUN COMING TO CERTAIN PLACES OF THE BODY STORES VITAMIN D
Stating that vitamin D is produced and stored in the lower layer of the skin with the effect of ultraviolet B rays of the sun, Sancar said, “First of all, it is important that we take vitamin D in the right season. It is important not to be exposed to sunlight, but to receive ultraviolet B rays. It is possible to get this only in summer and only between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun’s rays are steep. Studies have shown that vitamin D, which is necessary for the body, is produced by taking these rays from the lower parts of the knees and elbows and the face area for 15- to 30 minutes several times a week.
FACTORS CAUSED VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
Reminding that although the body produces vitamin D, many people experience vitamin deficiency, Sancar noted that this situation depends on many factors and listed the reasons as follows:
“People at risk for vitamin D deficiency are the elderly, pregnant women and people with malabsorption. Pregnant women are given vitamin D supplements by their doctors. However, it is important for pregnant women to get more sunlight. Absorption decreases with age. In this regard, vitamin D deficiency is more common in elderly people and people with absorption disorders. There are also seasonal factors. Since it is mostly taken in the summer season, more deficiency is seen in the winter. In addition, geographical region in terms of sun rays is an important reason for vitamin D deficiency.”
ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE
Noting that the human body can only obtain vitamin D from foods between 10 and 20 percent, Sancar said, “Certain foods are rich in vitamin D. Especially fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, animal foods such as egg yolk, liver, are rich in vitamin D. However, we may still need additional reinforcement. Due to the long winter season in our country, it is recommended by experts to take additional vitamin supplements. Although the studies have different opinions, there are statements that the absorption of vitamin D3 is better when taken together with vitamin K2.
ANIMAL FOODS PROVIDE MORE VITAMIN D
Stating that too much vitamin D cannot be taken with vegetables, Sancar said, “It is mostly taken with animal foods. At this point, it is important to consume fish obtained from clean sea. Especially since bottom fish carry a risk in terms of heavy metals, you should not be exposed to any other factor while you want to take vitamin D. For this reason, the reliability of the food we buy is very important.”