Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the health of the bone and muscle system and for the proper functioning of the immune system. But many times we end up taking way too many supplements out of the desire to be well in the future.
What happens in your body if you take vitamin D daily
If you’re the type of person who spends a lot of time indoors, then you may wonder if your vitamin D levels are sufficient. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
Vitamin D is a nutrient associated with bone health and supporting the immune system. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is naturally present in foods.
Studies show that vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the gut and helps regulate the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which supports the building and maintenance of healthy and strong bones, helping to regulate skeletal and neuromuscular function.
More and more research has shown that vitamin D also plays important roles in reducing inflammation in the body. Learn more about antioxidant-rich foods and how they affect your body.
What can you do if you have a vitamin D deficiency?
Too little vitamin D in the body can greatly affect bone health and other body functions. Given vitamin D’s role in calcium absorption and bone building, vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, according to StatPerls.
Long-term vitamin D deficiency is also associated with a low immune system. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, migraines, depression and certain types of cancer. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and most often they are of animal origin.
Vitamin D supplements are quite popular, but they should only be taken on the recommendation of a specialist doctor. Vitamin D supplements taken in excess can lead to health problems.
Many people are unaware of the potential toxicity of vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D toxicity often occurs from supplements taken in excess.
Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity mostly include those of a digestive and muscular nature. People may experience nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, constipation, disorientation, involuntary weight loss, and more.
Sometimes the toxicity can lead to blood vessel damage, which can lead to heart and kidney health problems.
Extremely high levels of vitamin D can affect kidney function and lead to symptoms such as dehydration, excessive urination, thirst, kidney stones and even kidney failure. Vitamin D supplements should be consumed with great care and taken only on the recommendation of a specialist doctor.
