Vitamin D. A key role in the health and functioning of the human body

There is a lot of talk about how important vitamin D is for the body. And despite promotional campaigns and even advertisements for supplements (of which you will see plenty during the autumn-winter season), the statistics are still inexorable. It is estimated that up to 90% of Poles may suffer from vitamin D deficiency ^[1]. Why should this concern you? What does vitamin D affect? What are its functions? Vitamin D cannot be replaced in our bodies, and although we can synthesize it, these amounts are insufficient. Why? You can find out all this in our article.

What is vitamin D?

Before we address what affects vitamin D, let's explain... What is vitamin D? Although vitamins are usually not made by the body and we have to take them with food or supplements, things are a little different with vitamin D. The body can synthesize it with the help of UV rays. And although we're talking about one vitamin, we're actually talking about a whole group of ... secosteroid hormones. What is vitamin D3? It's a form of vitamin D, known as cholecalciferol, which - as a result of hydroxylation occurring in the liver - changes into calcitriol, the active form of the vitamin. It is calcitriol that is essential for proper mineralization of bone tissue. But there is more to it than that... However, about that in a moment. But first, let's focus on why vitamin D supplementation is so important.

Vitamin D - why do we need supplements?

Although the body should be perfectly capable of synthesizing vitamin D on its own, the reality is quite different. And it all depends on the latitude. Unfortunately, in Poland we can't enjoy a lot of sunny days, which results in vitamin D deficiency. The level of sunshine in the autumn and winter months is too low to provide us with adequate levels of vitamin D ^[2]. Hence the need for supplementation - at least during this time. In summer, on the other hand, it's worth getting tested at least once to see if supplementation is a good option. Remember, too, that vitamin D synthesis also occurs when you are wearing SPF sunscreen. So you don't have to give up protecting your skin!

Vitamin D - what does it affect?

What does vitamin D affect? Contrary to what you might think, it's not just for bone health. However, let's start with this. Vitamin D affects the skeletal system by regulating calcium-phosphorus metabolism. It makes the intestines absorb calcium and phosphorus in greater quantities, but also stimulates their resorption back in the kidneys. It is also responsible for stimulating osteoblasts, the cells that form bone tissue. That's why vitamin D for children is one of the most important vitamins - necessary to supplement from the first day of life.

And beyond the skeletal system, what does vitamin D affect?

It is one of the vitamins that is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It has an antimicrobial effect, thus reducing the risk of infections. In addition, it inhibits excessive immune response, which is important during autoinflammatory diseases.
There is a reason why vitamin D is said to be the happiness vitamin. Not only because it is associated with the sun. It is also responsible for maintaining normal levels of serotonin in the body. This hormone, in turn, affects our mood.
Vitamin D is also essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It improves the plasticity of synapses, enables the production of nerve growth factors, and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to changes in the central nervous system. Interestingly, vitamin D deficiency is now associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Vitamin D may also reduce the risk of cancer. It enables it to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Currently, research is still being conducted on the effects of vitamin D in prevention, but there's no denying that regular supplementation certainly won't do any harm. In turn, it can significantly help the body.

Vitamin D deficiency - symptoms

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? Based on what systems are affected by this vitamin, you can expect that the symptoms of deficiency are varied. And they certainly don't provide a definite answer. Deficiency can manifest as:

weakness,
mood swings,
insomnia,
bone and joint pain,
hair loss,
recurrent infections,
worse skin condition.

Should such symptoms worry you? Certainly. However, they do not necessarily indicate a vitamin D deficiency. Be sure to see your doctor and together with him decide on further treatment or, based on blood tests, supplementation.

Vitamin D plays an extremely important role in our lives. It supports many of the body's systems, which ensures that the body and mind work optimally. Although it can be supplied from food or synthesized through the skin, supplementation, especially during the fall and winter, is very beneficial when access to sunlight is limited. It's worth considering choosing the right supplement, both for adults and children. The question often arises, How much vitamin D for a one-year-old child is appropriate. The recommended dose is usually 400-600 IU per day, which supports healthy bone and immune system development. Regular supply of adequate amounts of this ingredient is extremely important in the first years of life.

Sources

^[1] https://upacjenta.pl/poradnik/witamina-d-suplementacja

^[2] https://podyplomie.pl/aktualnosci/07431,witamina-d-dlaczego-jest-taka-wazna