Doctor Warns 'Vitamin D Deficiency Is Usually Silent', 5 Things You Didn't Know

A person living with vitamin D deficiency may experience several side effects. Know what Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities have to say about 'sunshine medicine' that your boidy can mke naturally.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that your body requires to function normally. This nutrient helps you resist infections by boosting your immune system as well as improving glucose metabolism. Your body can make vitamin D naturally when you are directly exposed to sunlight, which is why it is also known as 'sunshine medicine'.

Other ways to get vitamin D are through certain foods and supplements. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it's directly exposed to sunlight. You can also get vitamin D from certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.

Risks Of Vitamin D Deficiency

A person living with vitamin D deficiency may experience several side effects. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains, "However, even mild, chronic vitamin D deficiency can lead to chronic hypocalcemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures, particularly in older individuals.

"Prolonged and severe vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms related to secondary hyperparathyroidism, including bone pain, arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue, muscle twitching (fasciculations), and weakness. Chronic vitamin D deficiency may also result in fragility fractures and osteoporosis. In children, symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include irritability, lethargy, developmental delay, bone changes, and fractures."

5 Things You Didn't Know About Vitamin D

In a recent Instagram video shared by Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities reveals five amazing facts about vitamin D. They include:

• Control 200 genes: Vitamin D is not just a vitamin, but it works as a hormone in your body, controlling over 200 genes.
• Food sources of vitamin D are rare: You need to eat piles of salmon, tuna, eggs and mushrooms simply to match the vitamin D your skin makes in 15 minutes of sun.
• Vitamin D deficiency is usually silent: An individual can be low on vitamin D for years without any symptoms. It often shows up as fatigue, low mood, and frequent infections.
• Too much vitamin D can backfire: High doses of supplements can cause kidney problems, the sweet spot is between 600-800 international units daily for adults.
• Sunbathing: The best way to boost vitamin D is by exposing yourself directly to the sunlight for a minimum of 30 minutes. This technique may allow vitamin D to generate up to 1000 to 2000 international units (IU).

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