Muscle aches, depressed mood... If you have these symptoms, you may have a vitamin D deficiency. Our Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist handled all aspects of vitamin D. Yeditepe University Hospitals Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Endi Romano told about vitamin D in children...

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin from the sterol group that can be stored in the body. The most important source of vitamin D is the sun's rays. It can be provided in small amounts from plant and animal foods along with nutrition. Vitamin D has a significant role in the functioning of the nervous system in bone muscle joint functions and the strength of the immune system. 

What Are The Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency? 

Vitamin D deficiency can most often be manifested by fatigue, weakness, general pain in the whole body, bone pain, pain in the joints, depressed mood, increased susceptibility to infections due to weakening of the immune system, frequent infection, a decrease in muscle mass, which we call sarcopenia, and more serious cases leading to bed dependence in elderly people. Again, osteoporosis and falling can cause fractures.

Who Suffers From Vitamin D Deficiency?

• White-skinned

• People working indoors

• Elderly people

• Those with nutritional disorders

• Those who use high-factor sunscreen cream to protect from sunlight

• Those who wear full-coverage clothes

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Those with kidney disease

• Those with liver disease

How Much is the Daily Need for Vitamin D?

The daily need for vitamin D varies according to the person. For this reason, daily supplementation should be strictly on the recommendation of a doctor and under the control of a doctor. Again, when taking vitamin D, daily calcium intake should be at an optimal level. Vitamin D should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

What Are The Foods Containing Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is found in fish, especially tuna, milk, eggs, grain foods, and mushrooms. Again, cheese, butter, yogurt, and kephir are foods containing vitamin D. Vitamin D taken by diet is activated in the liver and kidneys and shows its effect in its active form.

Is Taking Too Much Vitamin D Harmful?

Inappropriate and excessive use leads to the storage of vitamin D in the body and vitamin D intoxication. Especially the vitamin D accumulated in the fatty tissue is also difficult to remove from the body. Especially since it is insoluble in water, the risk of poisoning is high. Vitamin D poisoning increases the absorption of calcium from the intestine, causing an increase in blood calcium levels. As a result, symptoms such as weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, and constipation may occur. Consciousness changes can also be seen.

How Is Vitamin D Stored?

The hours when we get the most benefit from the sun's rays are between 11.00 and 15.00. During these hours, it is important to sunbathe for 15-20 minutes on both arms bare and without applying sun protection cream. If the sunbathing time will be longer, it is necessary to use a protective factor cream to protect from harmful effects. Sunbathing behind windows and glass inhibits the sun's production of vitamin D in the skin.

How Should Vitamin D Intake Be In Children?

Yeditepe University Hospitals Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Endi Romano explained how to take vitamin D in babies and children.

• Vitamin D can be consumed in the morning in children and infants. Contact with the sun is very important in summer. Since sunscreen products prevent vitamin D from entering our body, vitamin D should be taken without applying protective cream for at least 15-20 minutes.
• The use of vitamin D in children should start from the newborn period. In the past, it was started by health centers after the first 14 days in newborns. However, today, when the baby leaves the hospital and goes home, vitamin D is started in the form of 400 units. There are different preparation for this. The amount of 400 units in each preparation you use may vary from drug to drug. In some, one drop is in the form of 3 drops, and in others in the form of a puff, but the amount to be consumed is 400 units until the age of 1.
• Vitamin D intake also enters into prophylaxis, that is, preventive medicine, in childhood. Hence, the child should be given vitamin D without stopping until the age of 1 year. However, vitamin D should not be taken without consulting a doctor. The child should be tested for vitamin D and given if there is a deficiency. As a result, there is a possibility of poisoning with the use of high doses of vitamin D.

Press Coverage: elle.com