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Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps our bodies absorb the calcium and phosphorous that are necessary to build strong bones. Additionally, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce the growth of cancer cells, help control infection and reduce inflammation.
Here are some things you should know regarding vitamin D:
Certain health problems can increase the chance of developing a vitamin D deficiency
Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing a deficiency, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, obesity, or kidney and liver disease. Age can also be a factor. As we age, our skin’s ability to make Vitamin D goes down.
Corona’s link to vitamin D deficiency
One of the most important functions of vitamin D in the body is that it helps the body absorb calcium, so it is important to get enough vitamin D to help build and maintain healthy bones. Vitamin D also helps support immune health and muscle function. and brain cell activity. There is also research to suggest that vitamin D may help reduce the chance of heart disease, and insufficient levels may increase the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent studies have also explored the link between COVID-19 and vitamin D, and while the links are not necessarily causal, one such study found that 80 percent of people diagnosed with COVID-19 had low vitamin D levels.
You can take an overdose of vitamin D
While not common, people can experience vitamin D toxicity as a result of accidental overdose, prescription errors, or misuse of vitamin D supplements in high doses. There is little variance in recommended vitamin D levels, but levels between 30-60 nanograms per ml are generally considered optimal. Experts recommend that people with typical vitamin D levels take no more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D toxicity can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, with symptoms including vomiting, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, kidney stones, and high blood pressure or high levels of vitamin D in the blood. Again, it is rare for people to be supervised by a healthcare provider when taking any supplements.
Talk to your doctor before taking supplements
Talking with your health care provider is important before adding any vitamins or supplements to your diet for a number of reasons. There is a potential for drug interactions with other medications you take, and some supplements may exacerbate health problems. A doctor can also provide instructions to help find safe supplements to answer any questions regarding supplements. In some cases, you can take too much of the good stuff. In the case of vitamin D along with vitamins A, E and K, taking more than needed can have adverse health effects, so it is important not to take unnecessary supplements. Dietary supplements are also classified as a class of food rather than a drug, and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not authorized to evaluate a supplement for safety and efficacy or if marketing claims live up to the status of the supplement. Sharing information regarding any vitamins or nutritional supplements you take with your healthcare provider provides a complete picture of your overall health, which is important to ensure that your doctor can help make informed health decisions and improve the quality of care you receive.
