In recent years, the role of vitamin D in the human body has been extensively studied. Today, it is known that the functions of this steroid hormone go far beyond bone metabolism and that certain situations have contributed to its deficiency. Get the Peanut Butter supplement options for you now.
The Right Options
Steroid hormones were discovered by the German chemist Adolf Windaus, whose achievements won him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1928. His studies described the chemical constitution of these substances and their connection with vitamins.
- For more than 100 years, it has been known that the ultraviolet ray from sunlight is the main source of vitamin D (more precisely vitamin D 3), which is absorbed by the skin and synthesized in the body from its precursor, cholesterol. Vitamin D 3 is also found in lesser quantities in fish rich in oil, such as salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel. Mushrooms exposed to sunlight are other rich sources of vitamin D 2, another way in which this vitamin is found in nature.
- Vitamin D, in sufficient amounts in the human body, ensures efficient absorption of calcium and phosphorus, preventing rickets. Without their presence, only 10-15% of the calcium and 60% of the phosphorus in the diet are absorbed. In addition to this function, it performs several other biological actions, its receptor being present in most tissues of the body. Among its multiple functions, those related to immunity and the reduction of inflammatory processes in general stand out.
The Right Data
Epidemiological data on vitamin D deficiency are alarming, even in the pediatric age group. Studies in the USA and Europe show that up to 50% of Hispanic and African American teenagers in some regions have a deficiency of this hormone, that is, levels below 20 ng / mL. Get the Omega 3 Supplements there now.
Undoubtedly, the biggest cause of vitamin D deficiency is insufficient exposure to sunlight. The use of sunscreen with an SPF greater than 30 reduces the production of vitamin D in the skin by more than 95%. People with darker skin color are at greater risk of disability, as they have natural sun protection. There is also a direct association between obesity and low levels of vitamin D, including in children. Other situations are also related to the lack of the hormone, such as intestinal malabsorption syndromes, use of medications (such as anticonvulsants)and glucocorticoids), some lymphomas and endocrine diseases. A special situation is the deficiency of vitamin D during pregnancy, causing a lack of the hormone in the newborn, with an increased risk of underweight, bone weakness and hypocalcaemia (reduced blood calcium). In babies who need prolonged hospitalization, such as premature babies, there will be a prolongation of time without sun exposure), increasing the risk of hypovitaminosis D. Find the Zotezo options there now.
The Issues for You
The lack of vitamin D in the body will result in abnormalities in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and, consequently, bones, leading to reduced bone mineralization (osteopenia and osteoporosis). In children, structural changes in developing bones cause a variety of skeletal deformities, known as rickets.
Conclusion
In addition to bone changes, vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness and, recently, its association with the development of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 (“insulin-dependent”) diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, etc. Today, there is still a conflict of results of scientific studies in this area, that is, there is no evidence of the association of hypovitaminosis D with autoimmune diseases.
