Lorraine: Dr Amir says spine could shrink if deficient in vitamin D
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
In more severe vitamin D deficiency cases, the condition osteomalacia can develop, leading to severe pain and weakness. Muscle weakness may cause the person walking to do so with a waddling pattern, according to Patient Info.
Buy great deals for Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements on Amazon here
The site adds that someone with a more severe vitamin D deficiency may find that they have difficulty in climbing stairs, or getting up from the floor or a low chair.
Bones may also feel painful to moderate pressure. This tends to be more noticeable in the ribs or shin bones.
Alongside adopting a waddling pattern, there are also some less clear symptoms that might arise.
For example, an adult with vitamin deficiency, may “complain of a general tiredness, vague aches and pains and a general sense of not being well,” according to the site.
Buy great deals for Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements on Amazon here
Although it is known as the sunshine vitamin, some foods do contain vitamin D.
Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include oily fish, as well as egg yolk, red meat and liver.
Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.
In the UK, cows’ milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries.
The sunshine vitamin works to help regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in a person’s body.
Calcium and phosphate are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
From about the beginning of April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.
During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.
There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus.
But the NHS states that there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID.
“If you’re still spending more time indoors than usual this spring and summer, you should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep your bones and muscles healthy,” adds the NHS.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that adults and children over four take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D if they are not often outdoors or tend to usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin when outside.
Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body.
Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.
If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people.
You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.
Source: Read Full Article