Vitamin D is important for bone health, but also for overall health!

Usually, the role of vitamin D is associated with bone health and bone metabolism. However, the role of Vitamin D is much broader, because it participates in many complex processes in the human body.

WHY VITAMIN D IS IMPORTANT? 

FOR HEALTHY AND STRONG BONES

One of the most important roles of vitamin D is to maintain the serum concentration of calcium and phosphorus, through their proper absorption / utilization. This ensures normal bone mineralization, and bone growth and development. Vitamin D deficiency alters the metabolism of these minerals, causing low bone mineral density and increasing the risk of bone loss or fractures.

TO MAINTAIN MUSCLE STRENGTH

Muscle weakness can be another side effect of low vitamin D levels, especially in the elderly. Vitamin D significantly improves muscle performance and accelerates the healing process in various muscle injuries.

IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing dementia, and affects the secretion and amount of the hormone serotonin (happiness hormone), associated with mood in humans.

IMPROVES HEART HEALTH

Vitamin D improves heart function, and its deficiency is associated with the occurrence of certain heart diseases.

FOR NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE IMMUNOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Vitamin D receptors are present in most cells in our body, including the cells of the natural immune system, and enable them to function normally.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Numerous world studies confirm the link between vitamin D deficiency and various autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D

The way the body gets the required amount of this vitamin is through exposure to sunlight, through food and with additional intake (supplements) of Vitamin D.

The sun is the main source of vitamin D!

Recent research shows that about 1 billion people or 15% of the world’s population suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Insufficient sun exposure (UV light) is considered to be the main reason for this condition.

When ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun penetrates human skin, it causes a chemical reaction that generates vitamin D. In summer we only need about 10 minutes of sun exposure to meet our daily needs. In winter, the exposure period is longer, about 2 hours.

People with darker skin will also generate vitamin D from sun exposure, but not as effectively, because darker skin contains more UV-blocking melanin. This is the main reason why vitamin D deficiency may be more common in people with darker skin. People also lose some of their ability to produce vitamin D from the sun as they age, putting older people in a higher risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

FOOD RICH IN VITAMIN D

– Fish oil and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, mackerel, trout, etc. fatty fish)

– Milk and dairy products (butter, sour cream, cheese, cheese, yogurt, etc.)

– Egg yolk

– Liver

– Mushrooms (shiitake, mushrooms, fox)

Aware of the role of vitamin D in our body and its importance in many processes, regular monitoring of vitamin D levels is of particular importance.

Avicena Laboratory performs the most modern tests of the manufacturer Siemens Healthineers, according to a certified procedure according to the standardization program of Vit.D testing of CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA), for fast and accurate determination of the level of vitamin D.

The examination of vitamin D together with the analysis of ionized calcium (Ca ++) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) gives a clear insight into the occurrence in the body and the metabolism of vitamin D.