Контакты

Vitamin D total

The role of vitamin D (total) in the body

Vitamin D (calciferol) is a fat- soluble hormone-like vitaminthat regulates:

  1. Calcium-phosphorus metabolism
  • Increases the absorption of calcium in the intestines.
  • Supports bone and tooth mineralization.
  1. The immune system
  • Reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes).
  • Reduces inflammation.
  1. Work of muscles and nerves
  • It affects muscle strength and coordination.
  • Protects against neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease).
  1. Cell division
  • Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer (breast, prostate, bowel).

The norm of vitamin D in the blood

Analysis for 25 (OH)D (calcidiol) reflects total vitamin reserves. Reference values:

  • Deficiency: < 20 ng / ml (<50 nmol / L) – requires correction.
  • Insufficiency: 20-30 ng / ml (50-75 nmol / l).
  • Optimal level: 30-60 ng / ml (75-150 nmol / l).
  • Excess: > 100 ng / ml (>250 nmol / L) — risk of toxicity.

Note:

  • For people with obesity, autoimmune diseases, and pregnant women, the target level is 40-60 ng / ml.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Reasons:

  • Lack of sun (living in northern latitudes, using SPF creams).
  • Obesity (vitamin D is deposited in adipose tissue).
  • Diseases of the liver/kidneys (violation of conversion to the active form).
  • Veganism (lack of animal sources).

Symptoms:

  • For adults:
  • Chronic fatigue, pain in bones and muscles.
  • Frequent acute respiratory viral infections, depression, hair loss.
  • Osteoporosis, fractures with minimal trauma.
  • For children:
  • Rickets (curvature of the legs, stunted growth).
  • Cramps, muscle weakness.

Excess vitamin D

Reasons:

  • Overdose of medications (especially when self-medicating).
  • Concomitant diseases (sarcoidosis, lymphoma).

Symptoms:

  • Nausea, vomiting, thirst.
  • Frequent urination, dehydration.
  • Calcification of blood vessels, kidneys (risk of stones).
  • Headaches, confusion.

How to normalize your vitamin D levels?

If there is a shortage:

  • Dosage:
  • Therapeutic: 2000-5000 IU / day (course 1-3 months).
  • Maintenancedose: 1000-2000 IU / day.
  • Sources:
  • Fatty fish (salmon, herring), egg yolk, liver.
  • Sun (15-30 minutes a day without SPF).

If there is an excess:

  • Cancellation of supplements.
  • Heavy drinking, restriction of calcium in food.
  • Control of blood calcium and creatinine levels.

When should I take the test?

  • For symptoms of deficiency/excess.
  • People with obesity and autoimmune diseases.
  • Pregnant and elderly people (over 60 years of age).

Important: Vitamin D should not be taken without control — its excess is more dangerous than a deficiency!