Vitamin D, why is it so important and when should you take it?
Everyone knows that in autumn and winter you need to take supplements, especially vitamin D, because almost 90% of people living in Lithuania have a deficiency or a borderline amount of vitamin D. Some take it constantly, others never, and still others start taking it when they feel tired, sleepless or have other symptoms, but let's not make a mistake, because such symptoms can occur when the body lacks iron or magnesium, or B vitamins.
Vitamin D helps maintain normal calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization, plays a role in the process of cell division, helps maintain normal bone condition, helps maintain normal immune system function, helps maintain normal calcium concentration in the blood, and helps maintain normal muscle function.
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by: poor nutrition, prolonged exposure to sunlight, chronic diseases, especially kidney or liver disease, overweight, and age.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with other health problems: high blood pressure, parathyroid problems, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma attacks, and seasonal depression.
Many vitamin D3 supplements contain hemp oil. Why is hemp oil so special? Hemp seeds have long been used in food production. They are rich in fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements. They are rich in fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements. Thanks to its unique composition, hemp seed oil helps to maintain normal immune system function and joint and muscle function.
Vitamin D is very important for children, as it can cause serious problems in children if taken in excess or not given at all. When vitamin D is lacking, children can develop rickets (softening and weakening of the bones), tooth growth is impaired, and stains appear on the tooth enamel. Adults can also experience thinning and softening of the bones. Adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications.
Interesting facts about vitamin D absorption:
- frequent vacations and exposure to the sun do not ensure proper absorption of Vit D;
- sunscreens reduce the absorption of vitamin D through the skin, so stay in the sun for at least 15 minutes without sunscreen, and do the same for children;
- most vitamin D is found in salmon, hemp and flaxseed oil;
- Vitamin D deficiency is more common in vegetarians and vegans.
Unfortunately, vitamin D tests in Lithuania are paid, it is not shown in the general blood test report, so it is recommended to get tested in the fall and spring. I think such a test could be performed free of charge in Lithuania, at least for children and vulnerable groups.