Vitamin D to the body is like fuel to an engine. As fuel powers an engine to perform optimally, vitamin D is a key driver for various essential bodily processes. It is a vital nutrient that aids calcium absorption and strengthens bones. From supporting your bone health to ensuring smooth neural pathways and robust immune response, vitamin D emerges as an indispensable nutrient.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D for infants up to 1 year is 400 IU. Children above the age of 1 year and adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should take not more than 600 IU of vitamin D. Adults above 70 years of age require 800 IU of Vitamin D[1].
If you are feeling fatigued, depressed, or having pain in bones or muscles, get yourself checked for Vitamin D. Book today!
Here are 6 reasons why vitamin D screening is important:
1. Promotes Bone Health: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, promoting strong and healthy bones. It regulates phosphate and calcium levels in the body, which is required for healthy bone formation[1]. Deficient amounts of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Timely screening helps identify deficiencies, reducing the risk of bone-related issues.
2. Supports Immune System: Vitamin D supports the immune system by helping the body defend against infections and illnesses. Insufficient vitamin D levels could elevate the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes[2].
3. Uplifts Mood and Mental Health: Vitamin D affects mood regulation and mental health. A strong link was found between low levels of vitamin D and four mood disorders commonly experienced by women: premenstrual syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, non-specified mood disorder, and major depressive disorder. These results suggest a potential biochemical connection between vitamin D and mood-related issues affecting women[3].
4. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Adequate vitamin D levels can help maintain a healthy heart, blood vessels, and blood pressure. Research suggests that vitamin D supplements could potentially aid in reducing blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which are key risk factors for heart disease[4].
Explore a wide range of Vitamin D supplements here!
5. Aids in Weight Loss: Excess body fat can hinder the skin’s ability to absorb vitamin D effectively. A study group taking vitamin D supplements showed significantly improved weight loss, reduced body fat, and higher vitamin D levels than the other group[5].
6. Pregnancy and Fetal Health: Screening is essential for pregnant women to ensure they have enough nutrients for their health and the baby’s proper development. Deficient vitamin D levels in infants can affect their growth and cause rickets. Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing preeclampsia and giving birth preterm[6].
Don’t delay. Get screened for Vitamin D levels!
Early detection and timely intervention via screening can help safeguard against diseases and deficiencies caused due to vitamin D.
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References
1. Pilz S, Zittermann A, Trummer C, Theiler-Schwetz V, Lerchbaum E, Keppel MH, Grübler MR, März W, Pandis M. Vitamin D testing and treatment: a narrative review of current evidence. Endocr Connect. 2019 Feb 1;8(2):R27-R43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6365669/
2. Sassi F, Tamone C, D’Amelio P. Vitamin D: Nutrient, Hormone, and Immunomodulator. Nutrients. 2018 Nov 3;10(11):1656. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266123/
3. Murphy PK, Wagner CL. Vitamin D and mood disorders among women: an integrative review. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Sep-Oct;53(5):440-6. Available online from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18761297/
4. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#h3
5. Lotfi-Dizaji L, Mahboob S, Aliashrafi S, Vaghef-Mehrabany E, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Morovati A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation along with weight loss diet on meta-inflammation and fat mass in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2019 Jan;90(1):94-101. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30246883/
6. Woo J, Giurgescu C, Wagner CL. Evidence of an Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Preterm Birth and Preeclampsia: A Critical Review. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2019 Sep;64(5):613-629. Available online at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31411387/