Vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin that has various functions in the body. It is also known as the sun vitamin because it is formed in the body as a result of contact between the skin and the sun. Although the number of sunny days in Turkey is sufficient to get vitamin D, Turkey is one of the countries where vitamin D deficiency is most common. Another name is calciferol. It passes as a vitamin, but it is actually a fat-soluble hormone. It is involved in hormonal mechanisms. It has two main sources: plant and animal. One of them is called D2 and the other is called D3. Vitamin D2 is ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 is colaxiferol.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
Vitamin D, which has various benefits from hormone synthesis to cell membrane protection, is one of the extremely necessary vitamins. It also has an immune system supporting effect. Vitamin D, which has been found to be necessary in the treatment processes of viral infections, is necessary and beneficial for the human body. Known vitamin D benefits include:
- Vitamin D supports bone health.
- Vitamin D strengthens the immune system.
- Vitamin D is known to fight cancer cells.
- Vitamin D strengthens muscle health.
- Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory (in some sources anti-inflammatory) activities.
- Vitamin D is beneficial for skin health.
What is vitamin D good for?
Vitamin D, which is obtained organically from sunlight, can also be taken with various supplements or foods stated to contain vitamin D. It is essential for the absorption of calcium. If there is no vitamin D, the rate of calcium absorption increases. It is also important and necessary for the development of bones.
Thanks to its ability to strengthen the immune system, it helps the body in the fight against diseases and colds. As a result of some research, its cancer preventive feature has also been stated and it has been determined that it can prevent the risk of cancer.
What happens if vitamin D is deficient?
Vitamin D deficiency, which is extremely necessary for the human body, manifests itself with some symptoms. In general, vitamin D appears in people who cannot access sunlight as much as necessary.
Not consuming foods containing vitamin D may also cause vitamin D deficiency. In addition, some medications used for various diseases can cause deficiency of this vitamin. If this vitamin is deficient, many symptoms appear and diseases may occur.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
Some symptoms occur in people with vitamin D deficiency. If some or all of these symptoms appear in the person, a doctor should be consulted without delay and the treatment given in line with the interventions should be strictly followed. When a person has a vitamin D deficiency, the following symptoms are observed:
- headaches
- weakness in muscles
- weakness in bones
- decreased appetite
- Diseases occur more frequently as the immune system weakens
- Paleness of the skin
- Dark circles under eyes
- sweats
- Sleep disorders
- Depression and similar mood changes
- feeling of fatigue
- Constant feeling of cold
- Wounds begin to heal later
- hair loss
Can you drink vitamin D every day?
Like other vitamins, vitamin D should be taken as needed. If taken in excess, it may cause harm rather than benefit. For these reasons, vitamin intake should be done in consultation with a doctor. Excessive amounts of vitamin D can also cause various diseases.
According to doctors, under normal conditions, vitamin D intake should be between 400 and 800 IU per day. More is considered high dose. In case of overdose, the person may experience constipation, heart rhythm problems, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite or kidney problems.
What is vitamin D found in?
Vitamin D, which can cause problems and diseases that threaten human health in case of deficiency or excessive intake, is also found in some foods and beverages. Some foods containing vitamin D, the biggest source of which is sunlight, are:
- Oily fish (Salmon, sardine, mackerel)
- Chicken livers
- Egg yolk
- Parsley
- Liver
- Red meat
- Dead nettle
- breakfast cereals
- Cheese
- Milk
- Butter
