Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D is necessary for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus minerals present in the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining the correct bone structure. Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition among people around the world. It affects any age, gender and ethnicity. However, some individuals have a higher risk due to genetic predisposition or lifestyle. Sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D synthesis in the body

Often people may not have adequate exposure due to internal and external factors. Dietary intake is often not sufficient to achieve adequate vitamin D status. Public health policies should focus on integrating vulnerable populations to reduce the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency

Most experts agree that at least 800-1,000 lU of vitamin D / d is needed for all children and adults to help maintain 25 (OH) D blood levels> 30 ng / ml. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain this amount of vitamin D from food sources. It is also unrealistic to recommend that all humans on the planet increase their vitamin D intake to 1,000 lU of vitamin D / d and avoid direct exposure to the sun.You need to moderate the recommendation for sensitive sun e3q) and increase awareness of the vitamin D deficiency pandemic. Increase food fortification with vitamin D and encourage children and adults to increase vitamin D intake with a 1,000 vitamin D supplement. You also need lU / d

Vitamin D requirements are small and are generally met by food sources (Vitamin D Food sources) and normal exposure to sunlight. However, a poor diet and inadequate sunlight can cause deficiencies; Dark-skinned people and night shift workers are more exposed. In areas with moderate sunlight, supplements can be given to children. Premature babies, strict vegetarians, vegans and the elderly can benefit from supplements 

Supplements are generally needed based on medical advice to prevent and treat bone disorders related to vitamin D deficiency and for conditions where intestinal absorption is compromised, deficiency due to liver disease, certain kidney disorders, long-term use of certain drugs and genetic defects. They are also used in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism (inadequate secretion of the parathyroid hormone). Supplements with other vitamins are recommended for pregnant women, children under 5 years old and breastfeeding mothers and with calcium to prevent or treat osteoporosis

How to choose a supplement?

Two other considerations when choosing a vitamin D supplement:

Initially, you will need to make sure that you are using vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) instead of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). D3 is the form of the vitamin that is already synthesized in the human body, which is why it is believed to be more effective as a supplement

We recommend that you consider the other nutrients that come to your mind, Magnesium. Magnesium is not necessary for the "absorption" of vitamin D, but it is necessary for vitamin D to become its active form in the bloodstream. And since there are so many people with magnesium deficiencies and vitamin D deficiencies, it is often suggested to put them together

Additional sources

Most oral vitamin D supplements are in the form of ergocalciferol. It is also available in topical (calcitriol or calcipotriene), intravenous (calcitriol) or intramuscular (ergocalciferol) formulations. Products designed to be administered by routes other than oral are only on prescription. As with all supplements, vitamin D should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light and out of the reach of children