Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin playing a vital role in human physiology. Low Vitamin D level is prevalent worldwide. Alarmingly in India, approximately 70-90% Indians have low levels of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in many bodily processes regulating more than 2000 genes of our body from brain to bones. It is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” or an “essential nutrient” or a “happy hormone” because the body can synthesize it when the skin is exposed to sunlight under the influence of UVB rays. The ideal time to have Vitamin D through sunlight is between 10 am to 3 pm when one experiences more amount of UVB rays.
Despite its importance in our bodily processes, around 70-90% Indians have low levels of Vitamin D. This is because they may not be getting enough sun exposure, they may have limited access to vitamin D-rich foods with very few options such as avocados, nuts, seeds, full fat dairy products, and eggs, applying sunscreens while going outdoors, pollution interfering with the amount of rays hitting back to our skin, our skin tone where studies have shown that people with dark skin pigmentation may need 20-30 times more exposure to sunlight as compared to fair-skinned people to generate the same amount of Vitamin D, cultural practices such as scarfs, burqa and purdah, or they may have certain medical conditions that make it difficult to absorb the Vitamin.
Low Vitamin D levels can lead to several health problems, including:
- Weak bones and osteoporosis
- Rickets in children
- Increased risk of falls and fractures in older adults
- Weak immune system
- Depression
- May increase risk for secondary complications
Benefits of Vitamin D:
It is needed for the maintenance of normal blood levels of calcium and phosphate that are required for normal mineralization of bone, muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and general cellular function in all cells of the body. It is also found to be important for immune function, for inflammation, cell proliferation, and differentiation.
Supports Bone Health: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth.
Improves Heart Health: Some studies suggest that vitamin D may help lower the risk of heart disease.
Reduces Inflammation: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Supports Brain Health: Vitamin D may play a role in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia and depression.
What are the normal Vitamin D range:
Adequate levels of serum 25(OH) D is essential to maintain the skeletal and extraskeletal physiologic effects. The diagnostic cutoffs of levels of serum Vitamin D are below:
| Vitamin D Status | Serum Vitamin D Levels (ng/ml) |
| Deficiency | <20 |
| Insufficiency | 21 – 29 |
| Sufficiency | >30 |
| Toxicity | >150 |
Desirable and safe range of serum 25(OH) D level would be 30–100 ng/mL as at serum 25(OH) D levels of 30 ng/mL intestinal calcium absorption reaches its peak, and PTH levels continue to fall until this level of 25(OH) D is attained. It is advised to maintain the levels within physiological range of 40-60 ng/ml.
Several governing bodies have recommended daily 1000 – 2000 IU Vitamin D for adults which is generally considered safe and can help to offer multiple health benefits.
Kenaf’s Vitamin D mouth dissolving films contains natural Vitamin D 2000 IU which can be consumed anywhere and does not require water to swallow as they dissolve instantly on the month making them easy to swallow. Mouth dissolving Vitamin D films are sugar free and a convenient way to maintain your serum Vitamin D levels and it may be best if you can get in the routine of taking your Vitamin D supplement with a nutritious breakfast.
In conclusion, vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and well-being. If you think you may be deficient in vitamin D, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test and how to increase your levels through diet, supplements, or sun exposure.
Disclaimer:
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The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. The information provided on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
Reference: J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Mar-Apr; 7(2): 324–330.
