When we think of vitamin D deficiency, we normally think of the elderly and people who live in nursing homes. But deficiency in vitamin D is a growing problem and it affects both men and women.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight are present in the skin and stimulate its formation. It is also found naturally in some animal products, including oily fish, eggs, and meat.
More than 50% of the world's population has symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, especially the elderly, people with obesity, and people in medical facilities.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in the homeostasis of various organ systems. Still, its role in preventing cancer and its recurrence - along with necessary blood levels - has yet to be established. Unfortunately, there is no single sign confirming the deficiency of vitamin D in the body, so many sufferers do not know this unless they suffer from a disease and severe complications.
And contact the specialist doctor to discover that it is due to the lack of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D is naturally found in very few foods and often in deficient amounts to help a person meet their recommended daily intake.
This is why there are some nutritional supplements and foods specifically designed to treat vitamin D deficiency in the body.
Vitamin D deficiency treatment
There is more than one way to support vitamin D in the body, but it is necessary to follow up your treatment plan with a specialist doctor to know how much vitamin D is in your body and what it needs to restore its health.
Among the treatments for vitamin D deficiency are the following:
Treatment is recommended if a person's vitamin D level is less than 25 nanomoles per liter (nmol/l)
Treatment is recommended if the level is 25-50 nmol/L and there are other indications of deficiency.
If the level is appropriate (above 50 nmol/L), advise on how to prevent deficiency.
Adults with a vitamin D deficiency need 6000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily or 50,000 IU weekly for eight weeks.
When a blood test shows that a person's vitamin D level has risen sufficiently, a doctor may recommend a daily dose of 2,000 IU of supplements. They may also suggest calcium supplements and provide other diet and lifestyle advice.
Food sources that contain vitamin D and can enhance its presence in the blood, but of course it is not enough alone, so you should treat foods with nutritional supplements in conjunction, and the following are some foods that contain high levels of vitamin
- Cod liver oil
- Cooked salmon
- yolk
- White mushroom exposed to ultraviolet rays
- Milk 2%
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in women
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms may appear the same for everyone, whether men or women, but they are more severe for children. However, women may feel more dangerous due to the lack of vitamin D in their body due to the nature of women's beauty and the hormonal changes that constantly occur in it, affected by any change in her.
Among the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in women are the following::
Depressive mood may be an indicator of vitamin D deficiency. In many studies, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mood and feelings of depression, especially in women, because they feel anxiety and disturbances in feelings and fear, which causes them to suffer from chronic depression associated with vitamin D deficiency.
2. Back and bone pain
Joints and ribs. Women with vitamin D deficiency in the
body always suffer from weakness and brittle bones because an abundant amount
of vitamin D in the body helps the bones absorb calcium. For this reason, older
women suffer from vitamin deficiency problems in the bones, and they always feel
back pain.
3. hair loss
Hair loss is associated with psychological stress, but
it is usually caused by a severe nutritional deficiency when hair loss is
painful.
Alopecia areata is an immune disease characterized by severe hair loss in the head
and other body areas and associated with rickets), in a study conducted on
individuals with alopecia areata, a relationship was found
between low levels of vitamin D and severe hair loss.
How to treat vitamin D deficiency in girls
Vitamin D deficiency is common in general and maybe especially common in girls, and many people overlook it and its diagnosis. The reason is that its non-specific symptoms and many possible diagnoses make it challenging to determine if low levels of vitamin D cause these symptoms in the bloodstream Or another diagnosis?.
If you doubt whether you are deficient in vitamin D, you must speak with your specialist doctor to get the appropriate examination with the proper diagnosis.
Fortunately, vitamin D deficiency is easy to treat by:
- Increase your exposure to the sun.
- Increase consumption of foods containing vitamin D.
- Take supplements containing and fortified with vitamin D.
- Treating vitamin D deficiency is always simple and easy, and it is of great benefit to your health.
Psychological symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
1. Depression
2. Worry
3.schizophrenia
4. Seasonal affective disorder
5. Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Symptoms of vitamin deficiency
It can be hard to spot a vitamin D deficiency, which is why we're glad you're reading about common symptoms and noting the signs can help you start a discussion with your healthcare provider about how you're feeling.
1. The weakness of the immune system in the body
2.Fatigue
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can look like fatigue and stress. Most people who suffer from it may not automatically know or even notice it; it may affect the ability to function or daily tasks.
3. Bone pain
Bone pain is one of the most common and severe symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. One study conducted in 2013, which examined more than 9,000 participants, found an association between back pain and vitamin D deficiency.
4. Muscle weakness
Other factors can confuse some of the signs of a vitamin D deficiency. You may feel muscle weakness because you've been exercising or restricting your calories to lose weight. You may not be sleeping enough, but if you feel like your muscles are constantly struggling, you should talk to a medical professional. Do you suspect a vitamin D deficiency?.
5. Bone loss
The presence of vitamin D in the body in all quantities supports bone health by preventing bone loss. D enhances calcium absorption in your gut and plays a crucial role in how bones are remodeled.
Researchers also found a strong link between low vitamin D blood levels and inadequate bone mineral density in a large observational study of either postmenopausal or postmenopausal women. Vitamin D deficiency can also cause osteomalacia.
6. Hair loss
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to hair loss. There is also a link between low levels of the vitamin and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease linked to rickets and characterized by severe hair loss. Researchers found that the more severe the hair loss, the lower vitamin D levels in the patient's blood.
7. Inability to heal wounds
If minor scrapes and cuts are taking a long time to heal, it may be a sign that your vitamin D levels are being checked. When researchers looked at this vitamin's ability to maintain glucose balance, they found that it indirectly aided wound healing—controlled blood sugar in study participants, which calmed inflammation and allowed foot ulcers to heal.
8. Overweight
Vitamin D deficiency may appear widespread, and there is a link between low vitamin D levels and increased belly fat and waist circumference, according to 2018 research.
9. Masha all in the respiratory system
Although bone health has been the primary focus of vitamin D studies for a long time, researchers are now looking at vitamin D receptors and their effects on inflammation and immunity.
Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of colds and flu and ease of infection with respiratory viruses, in addition to the possibility of developing asthma.
10. Infertility
One of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in the body is infertility. There is a link between a high blood serum level of vitamin D and an increase in the chances of pregnancy through artificial insemination, so getting the amount of vitamin D you need may also help you get pregnant. Lower levels have been linked to bacterial vaginosis, gestational diabetes, and premature birth for a healthy pregnancy.
11. Cardiovascular disease
Not getting a lot of vitamin D can increase your odds of developing cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, as well as having a heart attack.
12. Multiple sclerosis
One of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is multiple sclerosis, as vitamin D may also change disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
13. Hypertension
Low levels of vitamin D are also associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. The sunshine vitamin indirectly modifies blood pressure, and researchers believe it is related to the role of vitamin D in the performance of the parathyroid hormone.
It is reported that people with vitamin D deficiency may suffer from all or some of these symptoms or not at all, and each person may have unique symptoms.
Vitamin D deficiency side effects
There are some complications and damages that occur to the body in the event of a severe deficiency of vitamin D in the body, including the following:
1. Rickets
Rickets develops from vitamin D deficiency, and although it is a rare disease in adults, it affects children and infants severely.
If they suffer from vitamin D deficiency in infancy, it affects the growth of bones, wrists, knees, and joints in the ribs and can Causes legs to bend.
2. Cardiovascular disease
According to 2013 research, there is a relationship between vitamin D levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease. This may be because vitamin D protects the heart and fights infections.
In a study of the elderly, it was found that low levels of vitamin D Other conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome, are associated with.
3. Autoimmune disease
Vitamin D is a standard immune modulator, and research suggests that low levels of the vitamin may be linked to autoimmune diseases, including:
- Diabetes type 1
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Crohn's disease.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in men
Usually, men do not realize that the diseases or health problems they are exposed to are caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin D in the body. Thus health crises worsen and negatively affect their quality of life, so it is necessary to recognize the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in men; even They can quickly identify the problem and treat it before the crisis worsens, including the following:
1. Tired
There is no doubt that there are many causes and factors that lead to feeling tired and exhausted. Vitamin D deficiency may be one of these factors, and several studies have proven this relationship.
2. Back, bone, and muscle pain
Usually, many men suffer from bone problems, especially in the lower back or muscles, and it is known that vitamin D helps absorb calcium into the bones. Hence, a lack of this vitamin makes a person more susceptible to back and joint pain.
A study was also conducted on several athletes to measure vitamin D in their bodies. It was found that players who suffer from vitamin D deficiency were more susceptible to stress and muscle injury.
3. Frequency of disease
Suppose you suffer from frequent infections, especially colds and flu. In that case, you may have a severe deficiency of vitamin D in the body because an abundant amount of the vitamin in the blood helps maintain the strength of the immune system in the body. Hence, its low level is too low. Natural can cause an increased chance of catching a cold, flu, and some respiratory infections.
4. Mental and psychological disorders
Vitamin D plays a significant role in the development of the brain and nerves; for this reason, lower than the average level can increase the risk of developing some diseases such as depression and schizophrenia.
5. Heart disease
Researchers have indicated that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Vitamin D deficiency on sexual health in men
The sexual health of men may also be affected by vitamin D deficiency, and among the most prominent problems faced by men, in particular, are the following:
1- ED
According to a scientific study, a low level of vitamin D may affect a man's sexual health. It affects the dilation of the arteries, reducing the amount of blood reaching the penis, which leads to erectile dysfunction.
2- Prostate cancer
Several studies have revealed a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and a higher risk of prostate cancer in many men.
3- lack of sexual desire
Several studies have indicated the possible effect of low vitamin D levels on testosterone in men.
4- Infertility
According to studies, vitamin D significantly affects the quality and movement of sperm in men. A study showed that men deficient in vitamin D suffered for a more extended period of inability to conceive than others who have an adequate level of this vitamin.
Why do men need vitamin D?
Men deficient in vitamin D can develop severe imbalances, leading to critical conditions, which can include hormonal imbalances:
Parathyroid hormone imbalance: The parathyroid glands regulate your body's ability to regulate calcium. Too little vitamin D can cause the body to fail to regulate calcium and cause an overproduction of the parathyroid glands.
Pituitary imbalance: Individuals with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop pituitary tumors, as low vitamin D levels can lead to abnormal growth of pituitary cells.
Estrogen imbalance: Men need a certain level of estrogen in their bodies, especially as they age, and vitamin D deficiency can lead to low estrogen levels, and low estrogen can then increase the risk of osteoporosis, In addition to many other health problems.
Testosterone imbalance: Vitamin D deficiency causes low testosterone production in men, leading to a whole host of health challenges.
Men at risk of vitamin D deficiency
While anyone can have a vitamin D deficiency, some men are more likely to develop this condition, including:
- People who do not get enough sunlight every day.
- People who live at high altitudes.
- Obese people.
- People with lactose intolerance or allergy to dairy products.
- People with chronic diseases.
- People on a strict vegetarian diet.
- Elderly.
How to prevent vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented in the body by committing to being in the sun in the morning, especially from 7 to 11 am, before the peak of the sun's rays, while avoiding applying sunscreen until you get the required amount of vitamin D ) In the body.
In addition, it is possible to eat food foods that contain vitamin D and enhance its presence in the body. Still, all these things may not be enough for some people, such as the elderly or children who live in cold areas and have no sun for a long time, so they have to By resorting to nutritional supplements that contain doses of vitamin D.