The hormone is essential for the health and functioning of the body. You understand
Fatigue, weak immunity, bone pain, difficulty healing, loss of bone mass, hair loss, depression or muscle pain? It may be a sign that your body needs vitamin D supplements and, according to nutritionist Angeli Marques Golfito, a deficiency in this substance affects more than 875,000 people over 50 in Brazil alone. But you need to be aware of the symptoms at all stages of life, including during pregnancy. Glamor consults with the experts and breaks down everything you need to know about vitamin D.
What is vitamin D and what is its role in the body?
According to the doctor. Maria Fernanda Barca, thyroid specialist endocrinologist Vitamin D is actually a hormone that is produced in skin tissue and is responsible for regulating different areas of the body. One of its main functions is to modulate calcium levels, an element found in the blood and bones that, when released, affects bone health and is directly related to osteoporosis and bone fractures.
In addition, recent studies have indicated that vitamin D has an anticancer effect and on glucose metabolism, being an important ally in the treatment of overweight or obese patients.
Pregnant women should also be aware of hormone levels, as a deficiency can affect the strength of the baby’s bones and make it difficult for the fetus to gain weight while still on the tummy. In children, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, an endocrine disease that weakens bones and leads to fractures.
Nutritionist Angeli also adds that vitamin D is essential for various organs and systems, such as the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system.
How can I get vitamin D?
It is possible to obtain vitamin D by the action of ultraviolet rays during exposure to the sun, without blocking sunscreen or by eating foods of animal and plant origin. Doctor. María Fernanda also explains that replacement through pills is the most appropriate and the intravenous or intramuscular route is not recommended, since it can cause an excessive increase in the hormone in the body.
What is the necessary amount of vitamin D for the body?
You need to follow up with your endocrinologist and take frequent blood counts to understand each body’s needs. In general, the ideal is to have between 20 and 60 nanograms per milliliter of blood (except in special cases). Doctor. María Fernanda Barca also warns of the danger of excessive intake or production of vitamin D: “It can cause poisoning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even calcification of the kidneys, as well as dehydration and mental confusion,” says the doctor.