What is vitamin D and what does a deficiency of the "sun" vitamin lead to?
Did you know that 75% of the planet's population is white?is deficient in vitamin D? And it is not only the inhabitants of northern countries, where there are few sunny days. Even in countries filled with light, such as India, for example, a lack of vitamin D is often observed, both in adults and in children. What is this vitamin? In fact, the term "vitamin D" hides a whole group of chemically similar substances. Scientists have combined in this group both substances that enter the body with food (ergocalciferol) and the familiar vitamin D, which is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight (its scientific name is cholecalciferol). It is the second form that is considered to be the classic vitamin D, because it performs many important functions in the human body. With a lack of vitamin D, the normal growth and development of bone structures in a child is disrupted. The consequence of this can be such a formidable disease as rickets. But in adults, a decrease in the amount of the "vitamin of the Sun" in the body brings a lot of trouble: osteoporosis, some skin diseases, nervous system disorders. Interest in the "sun" vitamin is growing all over the world due to the fact that scientists are constantly discovering new facts about the connection of this chemical substance with many processes that occur in the human body. It turns out that the risk of getting cancer and diabetes increases several times if there is a deficiency of vitamins of group D in the blood. But let's take everything in order.
Rickets in children - when to sound the alarm
Even ancient doctors mentioned childhood rickets.But the clinical description of rickets was made in 1650 by F. Glisson, an English orthopedist. He discovered that this disease is characterized by curvature of the spine, and the Greek name for the spinal column is rhachitis. Unfortunately, rickets has not been defeated even today. It is considered a social disease because it often affects children who grow up in unfavorable conditions. It may seem that with the improvement of child care, with the advent of new diagnostic methods and new drugs, the disease should have long since retreated, but this has not happened yet. The rate of incidence is certainly decreasing, but rickets is still dangerous, especially for very young children. Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency in Babies A lack of this essential vitamin causes the following chain of reactions: the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the baby's body is disrupted, then bone tissue suffers - the formation and growth of bones, their subsequent mineralization. Then the nervous system begins to malfunction, and internal organs begin to function worse. The main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: poor nutrition, insufficient sunlight (after all, a large amount of this vitamin is produced under the influence of sunlight directly in the skin). Other reasons doctors cite include various complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and physical inactivity of the mother and child. Don't miss the symptoms of childhood rickets! An attentive parent will always pay attention to such manifestations in their child as softening of the bones. This usually manifests itself in the fact that the bone tubercles (frontal and parietal) begin to protrude strongly on the baby's head, the back of the head becomes flat, and the head resembles a square rather than an oval. The bones on the arms and legs, even on the chest, are covered with so-called growths, they are called "rosary beads". In the most severe cases, with a lack of vitamin D, the legs of children become curved, they begin to resemble the letter O or X. The abdominal muscles also acquire a "flattened" shape due to improper development. shape, the belly becomes protruding, disproportionately large. Parents should also pay attention to the hair on the child's head, because the formation of bald spots or complete baldness is also one of the signs of rickets. Prevention of rickets in children Like many diseases, rickets is easier to prevent than to treat later. After all, treatment is a long and complicated process. The following preventive measures are necessary:
- Fresh air and sunlight
Even in cold weather, walks in the fresh airair are necessary for the baby, and it is desirable that the sun's rays fall on open areas of the skin. In the summer this is achieved without much effort, but in the winter you should try to expose the baby's face to the sun's rays.
- Organizing proper nutrition
To prevent children from developinglack of vitamin D, it is necessary to organize its intake into the body with food. Firstly, these are products that contain a large amount of the necessary vitamin (fatty fish: mackerel, salmon, dairy products, cheese, butter, egg yolk). Secondly, it is necessary to monitor the variety of dishes, also include vegetables and fruits in the diet. Thirdly, vitamin D in capsules can be given additionally, but before this it is necessary to consult a doctor. If you have chosen fish oil, then it is also better to check the dosage with a doctor.
- Hardening, physical education and massage
A healthy lifestyle is considered the main enemy ofnot only rickets, but also many other diseases. Therefore, it is vital to take care of children's health from infancy. It is not at all difficult to massage a baby yourself, having studied the simplest massage movements under the guidance of a pediatrician. Parents can also do the hardening and physical exercises necessary for the baby themselves, turning it into a fun game. How to treat rickets in a child But the treatment of a lack of vitamin D and all its consequences should be carried out only under the supervision of a pediatrician. Self-medication is unacceptable here, because an overdose of vitamin D is very dangerous for a fragile organism. So, how pediatricians treat rickets in children:
- Taking medications containing vitamin d
These medications are taken under strict control of blood composition indicators: the amount of phosphates, calcium and other important components.
- Ultraviolet irradiation
Ultraviolet irradiation is carried out according to a special schedule, based on the characteristics of the child's body. During ultraviolet treatment, oral intake of vitamin D is canceled.
- Massage and gymnastics
Physical exercises and massage are done onthroughout the course of treatment. These measures are no less important than taking medications. In addition, children are bathed in infusions of medicinal herbs: oak bark, plantain, and succession.
Lack of vitamins of group d in adults
Adults have a deficiency of this vitamin.can also cause rickets. The disease is not as obvious as in children, but the consequences can be quite destructive. There are 3 degrees of the disease:
Treatment of adults is also carried out onlyunder the supervision of a physician - therapist. The required dose of vitamin D is prescribed (it varies depending on the severity of the disease). The course lasts about 2 months, but in the summer, the lack of vitamins of group D is replenished by taking fish oil, not tablets. In this case, you need to pay attention to your diet. Here is a list of products that contain this vitamin:
- butter;
- dairy products;
- cheese;
- cottage cheese;
- raw egg yolk;
- seafood.
But classic sources of vitamin D are considered to be fish liver: halibut, herring, mackerel, tuna, cod.
Deficiency of vitamin D leads to other problems too!
Today, vitamin D deficiency is associated witha whole group of diseases - from diabetes to cancer and even some cardiovascular diseases. Some scientists even associate obesity with a small amount of this vitamin. It has been proven that the fat layer in the human body increases with a deficiency of vitamin D. Polish scientists, in particular, M. Holecki, have established an inverse relationship between the production of vitamin D and weight loss. They noticed a pattern, after a slight weight loss (about 10
The level of vitamin D in the blood increases.There is also an opinion that vitamin D directly affects muscle strength. These discoveries have seriously interested not only nutritionists and endocrinologists, but also professional athletes. Now special programs are being developed for healthy people who want to change their weight and improve their body proportions. Doctors believe that the correct intake of vitamin D can work wonders!
