Vitamin D is a group of substances consisting of 6 components. These compounds have high bioactivity and are necessary for the normal course of a number of important processes in the human body. Let’s take a closer look at why vitamin D is needed and what foods it contains.
Material Content:
What is Vitamin D needed for?
The main components of vitamin D are compounds D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). They are produced in cells by exposure to sunlight, and are also found in certain foods.
The main function of these components is to maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body and their normal absorption.
In addition, vitamins D2 and D3 are necessary for the following processes:
- formation of bone and muscle tissue;
- maintaining normal levels of blood pressure;
- providing immune defense of the body;
- neutralize toxins;
- the production of insulin and hormones responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland, kidneys and some parts of the brain;
- regeneration of damaged tissues;
- regulation of cell growth;
- assimilation and balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the body.
On a note. It is proved that vitamins D3 and D2 are able to fight cancer cells that affect the digestive organs, the mammary gland in women and the prostate in men. In addition, the correct use of drugs based on these substances helps to avoid neurological and endocrine disorders, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Daily requirement
The amount of vitamin D needed for daily use depends on the person’s age.
The following standards are established for various categories:
- children from birth to a year - 10 mcg;
- children from a year and adolescents - 15 mcg;
- adults under the age of 70 years - 15 mcg;
- elderly people 70 years and older - 20 mcg;
- women during pregnancy and breastfeeding - 15 mcg.
The indicated dosages are increased in cases when a person for a long time experiences great physical and emotional stress, suffers from chronic diseases of the digestive organs or is in a state of immobility due to various health disorders.
Signs of Vitamin D deficiency and excess
Vitamin D deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:
- fragility of bones and diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- prolonged fusion in the event of a fracture;
- visual impairment;
- frequent inflammation of the larynx;
- low working capacity and increased fatigue;
- poor appetite;
- insomnia;
- decreased immunity;
- general ailments.
An excess of derivatives of calciferol in the blood is more dangerous than their lack.
This condition is characterized by the following symptoms:
- often cramping in the stomach, nausea and vomiting;
- thirst intensifies;
- there is a burning sensation in the larynx and an unpleasant, “metallic” taste in the mouth;
- the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes inflamed, hypersensitivity to light develops;
- pulse and heart function are disturbed;
- urination is frustrated, which is accompanied by increased urge.
When the content of vitamin D in the body reaches a critical point, renal and hepatic insufficiency develops, serious violations in the work of the respiratory system are not uncommon. In such cases, it is necessary to cancel the drugs taken on the basis of this substance, limit the use of the products in which it is contained, and symptomatic treatment.
Attention! In case of accidental overdose, the patient needs gastric lavage and laxative drugs. In addition, it is necessary to increase the volume of daily water consumption to 3 liters.
What products contain
The main source of vitamin D is the fat and liver of fatty fish, such as cod, herring, mackerel or halibut.
In addition, this enzyme can be obtained from the following products:
- canned salmon;
- pork and beef liver;
- yolk of chicken and quail eggs;
- natural dairy products;
- butter and corn oil;
- parsley and alfalfa sprouts.
To preserve the maximum amount of vitamin in the listed products, it is necessary to properly prepare them. Meat and fish should be thawed slowly, without soaking in water, and cooked in foil, steamed or grilled. The ingredients to be boiled should be lowered into the pan only after the water boils, and do not boil. And storing foods that are a source of vitamin D is required away from sunlight.
Vitamin D Preparations
You can make up for vitamin D deficiency with the help of pharmaceuticals. There are many funds based on this enzyme.
They are available in the following forms:
- oil and alcohol formulations (Wigantol and Natural Factors Vitamin D3);
- solutions for injection (Dibas);
- liquid-filled capsules (Alpha D3-Teva and Alfadol);
- dragees (Minisan and Vitamin D-sun).
Attention! Alcohol solutions should be taken with caution, because after uncorking the bottle, ethanol begins to evaporate quickly under the influence of air, due to which the concentration of vitamin D increases. As a result, the risk of overdose increases, and it is better to take funds in the form of capsules or dragees.
How to take it for adults, children
Vitamin D preparations are recommended to be taken with meals or immediately after meals.Capsules and dragees are washed down with plenty of water, and solutions are dripped onto pieces of brown bread and eaten.
For different categories of patients, the following daily dosages are recommended:
- full-term children from birth to 3 years - from 12 to 25 mcg;
- premature babies from birth to 3 years - from 25 to 35 mcg;
- adolescents and adults - from 12 to 25 mcg;
- pregnant and lactating women - from 12 to 25 mcg;
- patients with rickets or other problems of the skeletal system - from 50 to 125 mcg.
Preventive courses last from 3 weeks to 1 month, and then an interval of 30-60 days is needed. In the treatment of various diseases, vitamin D is drunk for 4-6 weeks, after which a seven-day break and repetition of therapy is required.
On a note. To increase the digestibility of vitamin D, other medicines with various microelements and biologically active components are prescribed simultaneously with preparations based on it. However, only a specialist should deal with the selection of funds, self-medication threatens with dangerous consequences.
Interaction with other substances
When prescribing drugs with vitamin D, it is necessary to consider what other drugs the patient is taking. Some chemical components lead to the neutralization of calciferol, and interfere with its absorption, which makes the intake of the vitamin complex ineffective. In addition, vitamin D itself can reduce the effect of certain drugs.
With a combination of this substance with medicines that have a laxative effect, calcium absorption processes are frustrated. And if you combine vitamin D with diuretics, under the influence of the components of the drug, it is quickly washed out of the body. A similar effect leads to its joint use with hormonal medications.
Medicines whose function is to neutralize bad cholesterol interfere with vitamin D absorption. The fact is that it refers to fat-soluble substances, and these funds contribute to the removal of fats.
In addition, vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of glycosides used in heart disease. For this reason, during the treatment process, it is not only impossible to prescribe drugs with this component, but it is also necessary to limit the consumption of products containing calciferols.
Vitamin D is also prohibited in the treatment of anemia. The drugs used in the treatment of this disease contain iron, which it will not allow to digest.
Given this "conflict" of the trace element, complexes based on it should be taken only with the appointment of a specialist, under strict medical supervision. And with the slightest deterioration or the appearance of side effects, you should immediately stop taking the drug and inform your doctor.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite the fact that vitamin D is necessary for the body, there are a number of cases when it can cause serious harm to health.
It is forbidden to take complexes containing this trace element in the following conditions:
- hypercalcemia;
- chronic heart failure and organ muscle damage;
- atherosclerosis of blood vessels;
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines;
- acute inflammation and chronic disorders in the liver and kidneys;
- active form of tuberculosis.
Attention! Particular precaution when taking vitamin D should be observed for women during pregnancy and the elderly.
Even in the absence of contraindications, taking vitamin D can worsen the patient's condition. As a rule, this happens in cases when vitamin complexes are taken for a long time or the recommended dosage is violated.
In these situations, the following symptoms appear on the part of various organs and systems:
- rashes and itching;
- hypersensitivity and irritability of the skin;
- nausea and vomiting;
- frequent urination;
- stool disorders in the form of constipation or diarrhea;
- decreased appetite;
- headaches, bones and joint pains;
- drowsiness or difficulty falling asleep;
- depressive states and nervous excitement;
- fatigue and powerlessness;
- violation of metabolic processes in the tissues of internal organs.
Hippocrates’s statement that there is medicine in the drop and poison in the cup is the best choice for vitamin D. This microelement will bring invaluable benefits to the body while maintaining its normal balance, and in case of shortage or excess, it entails various health problems.
