Hello; first, we need to assess how much vitamin D deficiency you have and how symptomatic you are with the deficiency.
- Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D levels <12ng/ml are considered severe, normal levels are between 20-50 ng/ml, and mild deficiency is considered anything less than > 20 ng/ml.
- People aged between 1 and 60 should get at least 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D daily.
- Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for various reasons, particularly for bone health.
Causes of deficiency: Causes of vitamin D deficiency include insufficient sun exposure and decreased outdoor mobility during COVID and post-COVID times. Consumption of less nutritious food and food that is not rich in vitamins, as well as problems with absorption, can also lead to vitamin D deficiency. The application of sunscreens with high SPF can also be a reason for vitamin D deficiency.
Symptoms of deficiency:
- Weakened immune system causes exposure to several infections (cold, flu, pneumonia) & illnesses which make you sick & fixed and increase fatiguability
- Reduce bone density and muscle strength causing calcium deficiency & joint pains --- leading to rickets & Osteoporosis
- Hair loss, decreased level of concentration, higher risk of depression, mood swings, sleep deprivation
- Hypertension, Skin changes, digestive issues
- Hypertension leading to cardiovascular problems (peripheral and coronary artery diseases )
- Infertility, preterm Birth & prenatal complications
Sources of Vit. D :
- Sunlight, Eggs, fatty fish, mushrooms, Almonds, cereal and milk
- Fortified food with vit. D cheese, Butter etc.
The daily recommended dose in adults is 1000-2000 IU.
- We Advice you to take supplements if you are severely deficient.
- Weekly, one capsule of Vit D3 containing Vit. D3 (60,000 IU) for 8-10 weeks to achieve serum levels
- Vitamin D shots are available, and we recommend a once-yearly injection of vitamin D3 containing 204,000-360,400 IU for treating severe deficiency.
- We recommend ruling out any chronic digestive issues or chronic illness due to Cron's disease & celiac disease.
Vit.D helps in:
- Overall strengthening of the immune system
- Active Cardiac muscle function (Heart health) and protection of Blood vessels
- Bone metabolism and muscle function (musculoskeletal health)
- Healthy gut microbiome
- Cognitive functions
- Cancer prevention