Vitamin D is one of the most important components for maintaining health, especially in women after 40 years. It is often used to support the normal functioning of the body, and many people turn to it to prevent various diseases. Stanislav Kravchuk, a gastroenterologist, spoke about the role of this vitamin in the body, its impact on women, the symptoms of its deficiency and the importance of proper intake.
Vitamin D is a hormone-like substance that is formed in the skin under the action of ultraviolet radiation from cholesterol derivatives. Vitamin D actively participates in the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which is critically important for bone health. With the help of this vitamin, the body can better absorb calcium from the intestine and regulate its level in the blood with the help of the kidneys.
For women, vitamin D is of particular importance, because after menopause, when the level of estrogen decreases, the body begins to lose calcium more actively. This can lead to osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become brittle and prone to fractures. Therefore, women after the age of 40 should monitor the level of vitamin D in the body and, if necessary, consult a doctor for dosage correction.
One of the main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is calcium metabolism disorder. However, the symptoms themselves may not be very specific and not always easily noticeable. The greatest risk of a deficiency of this vitamin has:
- Obese people.
- Patients who have chronic diseases and often take medications.
- People suffering from diabetes.
- Elderly people, especially those who spend little time in the sun.
- Those who live in cities with high levels of air pollution.
The doctor recommends that such groups of people periodically take tests for the level of vitamin D and, if necessary, take supplements.
Vitamin D is naturally found in products of animal origin, such as fish (especially salmon), dairy products, and meat. However, to cover the daily need for vitamins, you need to eat a significant amount of these products, which is not always convenient. Therefore, most people take vitamin D in pill form.
For the prevention of vitamin D deficiency, a dose of 600-800 IU is usually recommended for people under 45 and 800-1000 IU for older people. However, it is impossible to take large doses on your own without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to hypervitaminosis.
Vitamin D is compatible with other vitamins, but it can interact with certain medications. Therefore, people taking other medications should consult their doctor before taking vitamin D.
