What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential in our diet. It is synthesized in the skin by exposure to the sunlight and is also present in some foods.

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Which foods are high in vitamin D?

Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D. Fatty fish contain significant amounts of vitamin D.

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What is the role of vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps calcium absorption, increases bone mass and improves balance. In addition, it appears to have multiple beneficial effects on various bodily systems, such as on the immune and cardiovascular system.

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Vitamin D deficiency

/ / / What is vitamin D deficiency?

Lower than normal vitamin D levels lead to vitamin D deficiency, which can be clinical or subclinical. Subclinical vitamin D deficiency is common in developed countries, especially during the winter months and in older age groups.

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Ανεπάρκεια Βιταμίνης D

/ / / What are the causes of vitamin D deficiency?

The causes of vitamin D deficiency can be:

  • abnormalities in its production, metabolism or action.

However, the most common cause is:

  • insufficient exposure to the sun;
  • full coverage with sunscreens and
  • dark skin
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/ / / What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

  • Asymptomatic
  • Muscle aches
  • Muscle weakness
  • Bone pain or sensitivity
  • Difficulty walking
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/ / / What are the complications of vitamin D deficiency?

Subclinical vitamin D deficiency is associated with:

  • osteoporosis,
  • increased risk of falls
  • and possibly of fractures.

On the other hand, clinical vitamin D deficiency is characterized by:

  • hypocalcaemia (low calcium);
  • hypophosphatemia (low phosphorus),
  • rickets and osteomalacia in children,
  • osteomalacia in adults, but it is rare nowadays.
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/ / / Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is treated with supplements in a dose that depends on the degree of the deficiency. Again, individualisation of treatment is important, especially in special categories such as:

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