Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency, which is also called the sunshine vitamin, helps to regulate the ratio of calcium and phosphorus. It helps the absorption of calcium in the small intestine and is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is formed in the body under the action of ultraviolet rays in sunlight on a specific chemical on the skin. The effects of sunlight on the skin of substances in the body changes into vitamin D.
Experts estimate that about one billion people are estimated, are insufficient and may need to take higher doses of vitamins to maintain good health.If in your diet is lacking in this vitamin will cause a calcium deficiency, which can lead to rickets (irregular growth of bones ) in children, osteomalacia (softening of bones, which can produce deformation) and osteoporosis in adults.
Rickets is a deficiency disease of young children from 6 months to 2 years. This is due to a lack of vitamin D, which leads to the inability of calcium and phosphorus absorption from the diet. This leads to the weakening and irregular growth of bones, leading to deformation. The disease can be prevented and it can be treated by providing adequate amounts of vitamin D and under the influence of sunlight or ultraviolet light.
The researchers suggest that there could be a link between sunlight, vitamin D and cancer, because colon cancer and mortality from breast cancer deaths are highest in cities where exposure to the sun reduces pollution and indoor lifestyle.
Sources of vitamin D include oily fish such as sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, liver and egg yolk. Deficiency can occur in people of poor nutrition, pre-mature children who are deprived of sunlight, for example, people who work the night shift, people with dark skin who do not receive enough sunlight, the elderly and those who are sensitive to the sun.
Some violations can also cause failure. These include liver disease, certain genetic defects, kidney disorders, and prolonged use of certain drugs such as anticonvulsants.
Long-term deficiency in adults can lead to osteomalacia, in which the bones lose calcium, become brittle (fragile), and easily broken. When a person takes too much vitamin D, it can upset the balance of calcium and phosphate in the body, which can lead to hypercalcemia. (excess calcium in the blood) If this does not cure this condition can lead to confusion, drowsiness, coma.
The problem of making too much of this vitamin include weakness, abnormal thirst, increased urination, gastrointestinal disorders and depression.