Vitamin D deficiency, which is common in the world and in our country, can cause widespread body pain, muscle joint pain, back and hip pain, as well as weakness and fatigue. Experts recommend checking the level of vitamin D and recommend daily sunbathing for 15-20 minutes. Stating that vitamin D is found mostly in egg yolks, milk, liver and fish, experts say that Vitamin D should be used in consultation with a doctor.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Ayhan Levent gave information about vitamin D and the problems that occur in vitamin D deficiency.
Beware of widespread body pain and weakness!
Noting that the most important effect of vitamin D is on calcium, phosphorus metabolism and bone mineralization, Dr. Ayhan Levent said, "Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D deficiency may be the cause of widespread body pain, muscle joint pain, back hip pain, weakness fatigue. In addition, in recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity, infectious and autoimmune diseases." He said.
Noting that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in our country and in the world, Dr. Ayhan Levent pointed out that vitamin D deficiency is seen in most industrialized countries, and in a study conducted in our country, vitamin D deficiency was found in 70% of the population.
25(OH) D level should be above 45
Noting that 25 (OH) D level should be checked to evaluate the vitamin D level, Dr. Ayhan Levent said, "This is because 25 (OH) D shows both endogenous vitamin D and vitamin D taken from outside. Many studies have been conducted on vitamin D deficiency. According to these studies, vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed if the 25 (OH) D level is lower than 20 ng/ml, and vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed between 20-30. The ideal value for vitamin D is to keep the 25 (OH) D level above 45." He said.
Vitamin D is mostly found in these foods
"Under normal conditions, 90% of vitamin D in the human body is synthesized from the skin under the influence of sunlight," said Dr. Ayhan Levent, "Limited skin synthesis due to dark skin color or insufficient sunlight exposure is the most important cause of low vitamin D. The remaining part is taken from the diet. Vitamin D in the diet is found mostly in egg yolk, milk, liver and fish. Without synthesis by sunlight, vitamin D cannot be supplied by food alone." He said.
Sunbathing should be done for 15-20 minutes
Prof. Dr. Ayhan Levent noted that taking a daily sun bath for 15-20 minutes, especially at noon when the sun's rays are steep, is sufficient for vitamin D synthesis and said, "More sun exposure does not mean more vitamin D synthesis. On the contrary, excessive exposure to sun rays can increase aging by degrading the skin and may also cause skin cancers." He warned.
Vitamin D should be taken under doctor control
Emphasizing that patients with vitamin D deficiency should take external supplements regardless of their age, Dr. Ayhan Levent said, "There are tablet, drop and ampoule forms of vitamin D that we start externally. We prefer any of these forms according to the preference and condition of our patients. Vitamin D treatment should definitely be under the control of a doctor. Because vitamin D deficiency is harmful as well as its excess. Excess vitamin D can cause kidney stones and heart rhythm disorders. Therefore, drug treatment should never be started before the examination is performed and vitamin D deficiency is detected." He said.
