Vitamin D deficiency and excess
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium that we eat in food. It also helps the body maintain an adequate amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
How does our body obtain vitamin D?
Vitamin D it is synthesized by the body when we sunbathe. 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three times a week is enough. We can also get from food.
The foods that contain Vitamin D are: dairy products (butter, milk, cheese ...), fish, cereals, margarines and oysters.
Vitamin D excess
Too much Vitamin D causes abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood that can lead to bone, soft tissue and kidney damage over time.
The main symptoms are: eye problems and in the long run can leave sequelae such as impaired kidney function and renal lithiasis (kidney stones).
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is called rickets. This disorder causes weakening of the bones and occurs most often in babies 6 to 24 months of age.
Vitamin D is absorbed from food or can be produced by the skin with sun exposure. The lack of vitamin D production can occur when:
- The baby has been premature: You may not get enough Vitamin D from your diet if your child:
- He does not take dairy products: there are some diseases that can cause rickets such as kidney problems (tubular acidosis) or intestinal fat malabsorption disorders. Children at high risk for rickets are given Vitamin D supplements to prevent rickets.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
- Muscle cramps
- Skeletal deformities: skull, bow legs, rib protrusions, scoliosis or kyphosis, and pelvic deformities.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)