Vitamin D deficiency is often difficult to detect because the symptoms are non-specific. However, vitamin deficiency Dcan increase the risk of bone problems, such as rickets and osteoporosis, and weakened immune system.
Based on the recommendation for nutritional needs from the Ministry of Health, it is necessary to consume 15 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D per day by children, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65 years. As for the elderly over the age of 65 years, the recommended dose of vitamin D is 20 mcg per day.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D deficiency is a condition in which the body does not get enough of this vitamin. This can happen because you don't eat enough food sources of vitamin D or are rarely exposed to the sun.
In addition, there are several conditions that can also cause a person to experience a vitamin D deficiency, namely:
- Suffering from disorders or diseases that can inhibit the absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease and malabsorption.
- Have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
- Has a dark skin tone.
- Old age.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Taking certain medications, such as anti-seizure drugs or HIV treatment.
- Follow a vegetarian diet.
Sign-SignKdeficiency Vvitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can be experienced by anyone, including infants, children, and adults. Although generally there are no specific symptoms, there are some signs and symptoms that can arise when the body lacks vitamin D.
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Infants and children who are deficient in vitamin D may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
- Hard to breathe.
- Muscle cramps and spasms.
- Slower growth.
- Late teething and walking.
- Bone pain.
In addition to the above symptoms, crooked legs can be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. An easy disease can also indicate a child has vitamin D deficiency, because a lack of this vitamin can weaken the immune system.
On adults
In adults, vitamin D deficiency is usually characterized by the following symptoms:
- Often experience muscle aches, back pain, and bone pain.
- Bones are brittle or break easily, even if they are not seriously injured.
- Easy to get infectious diseases, such as flu.
- The body is easily tired or tired for a long time.
- Bad mood, or showing symptoms of depression.
- Wounds that are difficult to heal.
- Hair loss.
Some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency above can resemble the signs and symptoms of other diseases. To be sure, it is necessary to check with a doctor. Doctors can do blood tests to determine the level of vitamin D in the body.
Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency cannot be taken lightly. The reason is, this condition can increase a person's risk of experiencing a number of health problems.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to impaired growth and bone strength. Usually characterized by crooked leg bones. In children, this condition is called rickets, while in adults, it is called rickets osteomalacia.
In addition to bone disorders, vitamin D deficiency is also known to increase the risk of several diseases, such as:
- Osteoporosis.
- Arthritis.
- Infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and tuberculosis.
- Depression
- Headaches and migraines.
- dementia.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, and heart disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Hair loss.
- Cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
Pregnant women who lack vitamin D intake are at risk for a number of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature birth, and are at high risk of giving birth by caesarean section.
How to Meet the Needs of Vitamin D
Adequate daily intake of vitamin D can keep bones strong and healthy, and prevent various diseases due to deficiency of this vitamin. The trick is to:
- Consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as cow's milk, soy milk, yogurt, eggs, and fish oil. Seafood, such as sardines and tuna, are also good sources of vitamin D.
- Bask in the morning sun for 20-30 minutes, at least 2 times a week.
- Take vitamin D supplements, if needed.
However, it should be remembered that vitamin D intake needs to be consumed as needed. Because vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin, excess vitamin D will accumulate in the body. As a result, over time vitamin D poisoning can occur.
To find out the right dose and use of vitamin D supplements and according to your health condition, you should consult a doctor.