If you are constantly sick, you often feel tired for no reason, and you are a person susceptible to the negative effects of stress, vitamin D deficiency may be the explanation for your problems.
History of vitamin D
During the Industrial Revolution (nineteenth century), an epidemic of rickets hit the city of London. In 1918, Sir Edward Mellanby showed that the disease was due to a nutritional deficiency. In the 1920s, it was discovered that cod liver oil could combat rickets. In 1922, Dr. McCollum isolated calciferol, which we named later ”vitamin D’‘. But it was not until 1924 that researchers from two American universities simultaneously discovered that sunlight was a source of vitamin D. Today , attributed the epidemic of rickets London in dense smog that covered the city at that time, depriving its people of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The first synthesis of vitamin D was performed at Harvard in 1952 by R. B. Woodward, a scientist who received a Nobel Prize in 1965.
Indications
- Treat hypoparathyroidism, psoriasis and rickets.
- Prevent tooth decay and falls in people at risk.
- osteoporosis and slow its progression in people over 50 years (with calcium).
- some cancers, diabetes type 1 and type 2, some other autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, inflammatory
- bowel disease, etc.) and cardiovascular disorders. Boost immunity.
Blood test can diagnose vitamin D deficiency
You walk in the sun every day, eat well and get enough sleep … But you could miss something essential to your health: vitamin D. If it is rare, a major deficiency of this vitamin can cause rickets in children . In adults, such a deficiency can cause osteomalacia (softening of bones). If they are not treated, these medical conditions can lead to bone pain and weakness to muscles. However, research has suggested a link between moderate levels of vitamin D and certain health problems. These conditions include including diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
Signs of the shortage of vitamin D in body
Here are some effective signs to know that you do not consume enough vitamin D. If you think you suffer from any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor, who will probably recommend a blood test. The blood test is indeed the only way to accurately determine your level of vitamin D. You can discuss with your doctor about ways to increase your intake of vitamin D, including taking a supplement.
You’re constantly exhausted
Are not you absorb enough vitamin D? You may feel exhausted, and even if you get enough sleep. There is growing scientific evidence showing that vitamin D deficiency is associated with fatigue and sleep disorders,.A study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences revealed that vitamin D deficiency was common among people who say they always tired.
You are depressed
Being depressed may be related to insufficient vitamin D. According to the Vitamin D Council, the receivers of vitamin D have been found in many brain regions, including in areas related to depression. Research has established a link between low levels of vitamin D in the blood and symptoms of depression. The link between the two is not yet fully understood. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether this deficiency occurs due to depression or, conversely, a low level of this vitamin causes depression.
You often sweaty forehead
A soaker front is one of the first signs of a deficiency of vitamin D. If your face shows an exaggerated brilliance, even if your body temperature and your activity level are normal, you probably need additional vitamin D.
Your bones ache
Adults who do not get enough vitamin D often have pain in the muscles and bones, especially in winter. Their joints are also a little stiffer in the morning. “A lot of pains and aches are symptoms of vitamin deficiency D. This is a very common sign is called osteomalacia” Soft bone are more likely to bend than fracture and bone that are strong and healthy.
Do you have erectile dysfunction problems?
If you or your sexual partner are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), lack of vitamin D may be the cause. Men diagnosed with ED also often have cardiovascular disease, which is also associated with a deficiency of vitamin D. Some experts argue that treating vitamin D deficiency may reduce the risk of ED.
How to take vitamin D supplements?
weekly or monthly dosing is enough to ensure adequate intake, it is not necessary to take a daily vitamin D supplement. It is perfectly possible, provided that we choose a liquid supplement, take a weekly dose or even monthly. This is also a medical practice becoming increasingly widespread, especially among the elderly who are already taking a number of drugs on a daily basis. However, we should use vitamin D3 liquid form because it is not certain that tablets or capsules taken in large quantities dissolve properly, which would result in an insufficient dosage, part of the vitamin is excreted in the stool before metabolism. Vitamin D3 liquid is offered in counter in pharmacies and health food stores.
Many of these products, duly licensed by Health Canada, are currently accessible. We find that contain up to 1000 IU per drop. By mixing the required amount in food, it is easy to take a weekly dose (7 drops or 7000 IU) or monthly (30 drops or 30 000 IU). It is also important to choose a supplement containing only vitamin D, not a mixture of vitamin D and calcium or multivitamin supplement. The studies published to date is proof of the effectiveness and safety. In some tests, we were even given annual doses of vitamin D without having resulted in adverse effects, but it seems to be more effective to stick to a bi-monthly dosing (every 2 months) or less (monthly or weekly) to ensure constant intake.
Interactions With drugs
Antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, Dilantin, etc.) and anticonvulsants, as glucocorticosteroids (Prednisone, etc.) and drugs against AIDS can, in the long term, lead to vitamin D deficiency, as this type of medication is often prescribed for long term, according to the Endocrine Society. People taking these medications should take from 3 000 to 6 000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Food sources of vitamin D
- Salmon, grilled or poached or canned
- Grilled red tuna
- Herring marinated Atlantic
- Grilled trout
- Cow milk
- fortified soy beverage.
