2024-11-05 15:25:00
French adults only consume 1/5 of the daily intake of vitamin D necessary for the proper functioning of the body! Worse, according to a study carried out by a team Inserm15% of French Caucasians present a real deficiency (i.e. a level less than 10 nanograms per milliliter while an optimal level is between 30 and 50 ng/ml)! If we often know the risk of rickets in children deficient in vitamin D, we often ignore the consequences ofvitamin D deficiency in adults …
What is vitamin D?
What is vitamin D used for? “In main function is to increase the concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in the blood”specifies the French Food Safety Agency (CONSIDERED). Stored in the liver, vitamin D contributes to:
good mineralization of bones; intestinal absorption of calcium and regulation of its level; hormonal regulation; the differentiation and activity of cells of the immune system; the differentiation of certain skin cells.
Moreover, vitamin D actually has more the characteristics of a protein (than of a vitamin) since, unlike most other vitamins that our body is not capable of synthesizing and that we Vitamin D is derived from food and can be produced by the human body. When we expose ourselves to the sun, the skin produces vitamin D3 which will then be transformed into active vitamin D by the body.
Vitamin D deficiency: what are the health risks?
The risk when you lack vitamin D? “When vitamin D is deficient, the body absorbs less calcium and phosphate. Because calcium and phosphate are not available in sufficient quantities to maintain bone mass, vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone disorder called rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults. In osteomalacia, the body does not incorporate enough calcium and other minerals into the bones, causing bone fragility.noted The Manual MSD. More concretely, a vitamin D deficiency will cause a calcium deficiency… However, calcium is a mineral involved in numerous functions of the body such as the mineralization of bones, cartilage and teeth, muscle contraction, blood clotting, activation of the immune system, nerve transmission, the release of different hormones… Thus, a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk inherent in a calcium deficiency and can have serious repercussions on the entire body!
While vitamin D deficiency in infants and children can greatly affect growth; In adults, the main risks linked to vitamin D deficiency are:
osteomalacia (a defect in bone mineralization), osteoporosis, bone and muscle pain, bone deformities, decreased bone mass, increased risk of fracture, decreased muscle tone, tetany attacks, etc.
In pregnant women, vitamin D deficiency causes an increased risk of deficiency in the fetus, and young children are then at high risk of rickets.
Factors correlated with a higher probability of vitamin D deficiency? According to the study carried out by Inserm among 1,800 Caucasian French people: being a woman, age, being overweight or obese, being less physically active, rarely exposing themselves to the sun or living in the North of France. Furthermore, certain factors can increase the risk of deficiency: a diet without meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, a disease affecting intestinal absorption, etc.
Symptoms that may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency:
Fatigability – or the fact of being fatigable, of seeing one’s muscular strength abnormally decrease – is “one of the most common signs”, indicates Dr Faïza Bossy in an interview for Marie Claire magazine; The presence of muscle pain; The feeling of muscle weakness; Pain in the joints; A drop in morale akin to seasonal depression; A fragile immune system…
Doubts? Blood tests and sometimes x-rays are carried out for a perfect assessment of the vitamin level in order to confirm the diagnosis of deficiency.
Good to know: Vitamin D requirements increase with aging.
What causes vitamin D deficiency?
To stock up on vitamin D, there are two sources of supply:
exposure to the sun diet because certain foods are good sources of vitamin D
The foods richest in vitamin D? We focus on fatty fish (herring, sardines, salmon, mackerel, etc.), fish liver oils, egg yolk, dark chocolate, offal – and in particular liver -, enriched dairy products. in vitamin D, cereals enriched with vitamin D…
Good reflexes to avoid vitamin D deficiency
For a sufficient daily intake of vitamin D, we rely on the sun! In fact, all you need to do is expose yourself to sunlight. “15 to 20 minutes late morning or afternoon” every day, advises ANSES! And for days with little sunshine or to limit damage caused by the sun? Watch your diet: supplementing with vitamin D through food (and/or medication supplementation) can be a good idea! Moreover, it is recommended to provide vitamin D through the diet of 15 micrograms per day for adults. The problem? According to data from the Inca 3 study, the average intake of vitamin D in the French population through food is (only) 3.1 micrograms/day in adults aged 18 to 79!
In certain cases and for certain people, vitamin D supplementation via food or medication supplements may be indicated. But it is better to refer to a health professional to avoid the risks relating to excessive supplementation!
Vitamin D: beware of excess!
Food supplements to stock up on vitamin D? Caution is required because there is a risk in the event of an overdose. Excessive vitamin D supplementation can lead to hypercalcemia, i.e. a calcium level in the blood that is too high, which can lead to calcification of certain tissues and have serious health consequences on the heart and/or kidneys. Among the symptoms that can alert you to an excess of vitamin D: headaches, nausea, vomiting, excessive fatigue, loss of tone, etc.
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The vitamin D deficiency pandemic: Approaches for diagnosis, treatment and prevention
**Interview on Vitamin D Deficiency: A Hidden Health Crisis**
**Interviewer**: Welcome, Dr. Faïza Bossy! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the crucial issue of vitamin D deficiency, which seems to be alarmingly prevalent among the French population.
**Dr. Bossy**: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
**Interviewer**: A recent study mentioned that French adults only consume 1/5 of their daily vitamin D requirements. What do you think are the main reasons for this deficiency?
**Dr. Bossy**: There are several contributing factors. Many people, especially those who live in northern regions or who have limited sun exposure, are at higher risk. Additionally, dietary habits play a significant role. If individuals do not consume fish, dairy, or fortified foods, they may struggle to meet their vitamin D needs.
**Interviewer**: What are some of the health risks associated with vitamin D deficiency in adults?
**Dr. Bossy**: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious health issues including osteomalacia, characterized by bone fragility, as well as osteoporosis. It also contributes to muscle weakness, joint pain, and can decrease overall morale, often mimicking symptoms of seasonal depression. In pregnant women, low levels increase the risk of deficiency in the fetus, leading to potential rickets in children.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned symptoms like fatigue and muscle pain. How can individuals know if they are deficient?
**Dr. Bossy**: If anyone experiences unexplainable fatigue, muscle weakness, or frequent joint pain, they should consider getting a blood test to check their vitamin D levels. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a proper assessment.
**Interviewer**: What can individuals do to prevent vitamin D deficiency? Are there any good practices to adopt?
**Dr. Bossy**: Absolutely! First, make sure to get enough sunlight exposure, particularly during the summer months. Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet—like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products—is essential. If necessary, consider supplements, especially for those at higher risk, such as the elderly or individuals with limited sun exposure.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Bossy, for shedding light on this vital health issue. It’s clear that raising awareness about vitamin D deficiencies is crucial for overall well-being.
**Dr. Bossy**: Thank you for discussing this essential topic! It’s important that we all take proactive steps for our health.
**Interviewer**: Indeed! We appreciate your insight.
