In recent years we have heard more and more about the role of vitamin D in the human body, which turns out to be multiple and extremely important.
The largest percentage of vitamin D is synthesized in our skin, with the effect of solar radiation in the precursor form of vitamin H. Dietary intake covers only 5-10% of the requirements of most people.
Its main role is the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the bones, which ensures the correct density of our bones. Thus the deficiency leads to osteopenia, rickets, poor dental health, osteoporosis.
However, beyond this action, vitamin D appears to be important for other body functions as well.
It acts more like a hormone, since it is a precursor to one of the hormones involved in maintaining normal calcium levels and regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. This practically means that vitamin D reduces the risk of carcinogenesis and proliferation of cancer cells.
In addition, vitamin D appears to affect the immune system, as it regulates the function of lymphocytes, the production of antibodies and other protective immune mechanisms. Recently, there is a lot of discussion about the involvement of the vitamin (deficiency) in the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases, such as type I diabetes.
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular and neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, depression and autistic spectrum disorders. A lack of vitamin D in the mother can create a problem in the smooth development of the child's nervous system.
Especially in children, in our country, in recent years, despite the unlimited sunshine, it has been found to the surprise of all of us, a significant deficiency or even lack of vitamin D. Of the age groups studied, a greater deficiency was found in the 15-18 year old group ( 47% they were vitamin deficient).
This is attributed to the diet, the darker Mediterranean skin color where melanin prevents the action of the solar effect on the synthesis of the vitamin in the skin, the modern lifestyle of children with limited outdoor activities, the excessive use of sunscreens, as well as endogenous causes vitamin metabolism disorder.
Obese children store vitamin D in adipose tissue and make it non-bioavailable.
Regarding pregnant women, newborns and young infants studies also showed that 19.5% of the mothers and 8.1% of the examined newborns are deficient in the vitamin. Unfortunately, breast-feeding does not ensure a satisfactory intake for the infant, therefore, exogenous administration of the vitamin is recommended.
The nutritional sources of the vitamin are found in fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna), eggs (crocodile), enriched dairy products, cereals and orange juice. Vitamin supplements are recommended with medical advice and in children especially, doses are given based on the deficiency detected.
Cod oil preparations are not recommended due to the high concentration of vitamin A they contain and its possible toxicity.
Anna Pardali - Pediatrician
Article from eumedline.eu
