Vitamin D Deficiency: Which Subjects At Risk?

People included in the risk groups of vitamin D deficiency should try to obtain it from its different sources so as not to run into serious health problems 

The body needs vitamins and minerals in order to perform its activities properly. That is why it is necessary to consume foods rich in these substances. On this occasion we will focus on vitamin D deficiency.

What is Vitamin D?

It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the adipose tissue of the body. It promotes the absorption of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bones to naturally develop and strengthen. Of utmost importance in childhood.

In case of deficiency, it is likely to suffer from various ailments and incorrect development of bone tissues.

Without these minerals, bones weaken and are more prone to fracture and permanent injury.

Where Does Vitamin D Come From?

There are many ways to get this vitamin. We show you the best:

• For the body to produce it naturally, it is sufficient to expose it to sunlight.
• Fatty fish are an excellent source of vitamin D, such as tuna, salmon or mackerel.
• Other foods that provide this vitamin, albeit to a lesser extent, are liver, egg yolk, and cheese.
• Mushrooms are another source of vitamin D.

There are not many foods that provide this substance. For this reason, it  is added to many products, to enrich them and so that the body can obtain the necessary amount.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need Depending on Age?

For each stage of life it is necessary to have a different amount of vitamin D.

We indicate the daily amounts of vitamin D to be totally healthy at any age:

• Infants, up to 12 months, need vitamin D levels of 400 IU.
• For children between 1 and 13, the levels of this substance should be 600 IU.
• For adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, the proper size for strengthening bones should be 600 IU.
• Adults aged 19 to 70 and pregnant or lactating women should have levels of 600 IU.
• Adults over 71 must have an amount of 800 IU.

Who are at risk of vitamin D deficiency?

1. Nursing infants

Newborns are among those at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Breast milk does not provide enough vitamin D. For this reason it is necessary to administer a food supplement of 400 IU once a day.

2. Elderly or dark-skinned people

Due to the passage of time, older people’s skin no longer produces as much vitamin D when it receives sunlight. Furthermore, the ability of the kidneys to transform vitamin D into its active form is less.

A dark complexion also produces less vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

3. People with obesity, kidney or liver problems

In the case of obese people, body fat joins the vitamins and prevents them from reaching the blood.

People suffering from chronic kidney or liver disease may also have problems with the correct assimilation of this vitamin.

4. People taking certain medications

Some medical treatments can cause a vitamin D deficiency.

• Among them we find anticonvulsant and antifungal drugs.
• Furthermore, antiretroviral treatments for HIV can also hinder its assimilation.

In these cases, therefore, some supplements may be necessary to obtain adequate levels of this nutrient.

Now that you are more informed about vitamin D deficiency, don’t stop getting it through its various sources to take care of your health.