Vitamin D deficiency and sudden death

We all know the importance of vitamins and their role in the body, some of them are soluble in water, and others are soluble in fats such as vitamin D, which we will talk about in this article.

What is vitamin D, the reasons for its deficiency, the symptoms caused by its deficiency, and how to treat this problem?

What's vitamin D and its role?

Vitamin D is one of the most important fat-soluble vitamins in the body, and it is considered as pre hormonal vitamin that works like a hormone in the body and classified as a hormone nowadays and important for all cells in the body. Every cell in our body has receptors for vitamin D. It is the only vitamin that the body makes through exposure to the sun rays by transforming the Cholesterol to Vitamin D.

The role of vitamin D

It helps in the absorption of calcium, so without enough amount of vitamin D, there's no absorption of calcium in bones. The presence of vitamin D gives the body a higher tolerance for pain and gives strength to the immune system and it is important to the digestive system as well.

It is important to know that there are complementary vitamins to vitamin D, such as vitamin K2, which is responsible for transporting calcium from the blood to the bones, and Vitamin F, which transports calcium to the skin, to protect it from infections and sunburns.

Reasons for vitamin D deficiency

Not being exposed to sunlight when it's completely bright for 15 to 20 minutes every day, the body takes the daily recommended dose from vitamin D.

High stress level, when the cortisol level is high due to high stress, cortisol is received by the cells receptors instead of vitamin D due to the similarity between the cortisol and vitamin D molecules, and that's why the vitamin D will not be absorbed.

Vegan diet, by not eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as animal fats, full cream dairy products,

fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and cod.

Eating too much sugar lowers the potassium and magnesium which are necessary to convert cholesterol through the skin into vitamin D.

The symptoms caused by vitamin D deficiency

Chronic fatigue without reason, What happens when your vitamin D is insufficient in the nervous system, neural impulses are translated into unjustified pain in the muscles and joints, and bones pain.

Insomnia and sleeping disorders, feeling tired or sleepy and lack of energy even after awakening directly without any reason and when sleeping enough hours.

Weak immune response, frequent viral infections, and skin problems.

Digestive system disorders, bloating, constipation...

Depression, serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating the mood and gives the feeling of happiness that is excreted when exposed to sunlight, for this reason, there is a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and depression.

High blood pressure, when you have a vitamin D deficiency, calcium in the blood could lead to some health issues like hypothyroidism, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, and kidney stones.

Blurred vision, foggy thinking, and concentration problems could be symptoms for vitamin D deficiency.

Sudden death, might happen due to low vitamin D levels for long periods, and this deficiency gradually leads to immune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, and heart failure.

Normal vitamin D blood levels

The severe deficiency from zero to 20 ng/ml, between 20 to 30 ng/ml, is an insufficient level between 30 to 60 ng/ml there is a sufficient amount of vitamin but even though some patients with these levels still suffering from some symptoms. It' s recommended to have a level above 70 ng/ml, and more specifically around 72 ng/ml of the vitamin D in the blood.

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency

The treatment is by taking vitamin D from supplements, especially in the winter days when there is no enough sunlight, or in countries where the sun is not available most of the year.

It is recommended to take vitamin D3 and not D2 supplement because the D2 is more processed than natural, and the body absorbs only 2 to 3% of this form and even though the D3 form supplement is not completely absorbed by the body. The daily recommended dose for adults An adult needs about 1,200 IU per day of vitamin D to maintain the normal level. In case of deficiency, the daily dose recommended dose between 5,000 to 10,000 IU per day because, the absorption of vitamin D is not 100 % for example when taking 5,000 IU, only 2000 IU is absorbed by the body.

The best way and timing to take a vitamin D supplement is during your meal that should contain fat because it helps in absorbing vitamin D or else the vitamin D will not be absorbed.

Some natural sources of vitamin D

Cod liver oil vitamin D has one of the highest values of vitamin D in food, 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil gives around 1360 UI of vitamin D and it's also rich in vitamin A.

Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna.

Vitamin D is also found in mushrooms, animal fats, cow liver, and eggs.

Remember always to check your vitamin D level because it's one of the most important and vital vitamins for you, and vitamin D deficiency might lead to sudden death...

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