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It is estimated that about 75% of adults and 70% of children in the USA have a vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is a well-known natural remedy for several diseases, including cancer. Unfortunately, while people acknowledge its health benefits, many do not know whether they are getting enough of it daily.
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is stored in fatty tissues and the liver and represents a fat-soluble form of the vitamin. However, if you have an excessive amount of body fat, it can cause the vitamin D you consume in food to become trapped.
You can obtain vitamin D directly from sunlight or from certain types of foods. This vitamin aids the absorption of calcium into the bones, thereby increasing their strength. A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to a curvature of the spine known as osteomalacia. It is also believed that vitamin D deficiency is responsible for some types of cancer, such as prostate, breast, and colon cancer.
What diseases does its deficiency cause?
Vitamin D deficiency leads to the development of the following six conditions:
1. Allergies in children
It is very likely that vitamin D deficiency leads to the development of serious allergies, especially in children.
2. Osteoporosis or brittle bone syndrome
Your bones are stronger when their density increases. This effect is supported by consuming sufficient amounts of vitamin D and calcium every day. It reduces the likelihood of fractures.
3. Asthma attacks
You will strengthen your lungs and support their function if you get enough vitamin D daily. This will protect your airways from infections and illnesses, as well as from asthma attacks.
4. Joint inflammation
Consuming foods rich in vitamin D supports your immune system. The stronger your body is and the more capable it is of fighting infections and diseases such as inflammatory joint conditions (arthritis, gout, and rheumatism), the better.
5. Anxiety and depression
Vitamin D deficiency may lead to impaired brain function, because this vitamin is vital for its proper functioning. It can cause increased anxiety, confusion, memory loss, and depression.
6. Cardiovascular disease
Vitamin D helps stabilize blood pressure, thereby preventing serious cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
Foods containing vitamin D
Sufficient amounts of vitamin D can be obtained from the following foods:
- Fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines, tuna, halibut, mackerel)
- Organic orange juice
- Fortified cow’s milk
- Fortified cereals
- Egg yolk
- Dried shiitake mushrooms
Recommended daily dose of vitamin D
It is recommended to take 400 to 800 I.U of vitamin D daily for adults under 50 years, which they can also supplement in the form of dietary supplements. For people over 50 years, it is recommended to take 800 to 1000 I.U of vitamin D daily.
Vitamin D is essential for our health and well-being. Make sure you have enough of it so your body can function at its best.
