Introduction
A good healthy body needs a healthy diet; which contains all essential minerals and vitamins. It is a known fact that our body doesn’t produce vitamins or minerals of its own; that’s why it is necessary to take them from external sources like food, supplements, etc. In that list of essential vitamins; vitamin D has an imperative role to play.
About Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a very essential vitamin; which is also a fat-soluble vitamin. It is naturally present in some food items. Other than the food you can also take supplements to fulfil your vitamin D deficiency. The production of vitamin D also happens when ultraviolet rays from the sunlight strike the surface of the skin and trigger the vitamin D synthesis.
The vitamin D that you get from sunlight exposure, supplement and foods go through two hydroxylations in the body; since they are biologically inert. The first process of hydroxylation occurs in the liver; which converts it into 25 hydroxyvitamin D, also known by the name calcidiol. The second process of hydroxylation takes place in the kidney; that helps in forming the physiologically active 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D, also known by the name of calcitriol.
Another major benefit of vitamin D is that it helps in promoting calcium absorption in the gut to maintain proper phosphate and serum calcium concentrations for normal bone mineralization. It helps in preventing the problem of hypocalcemic tetany. It is a health disorder in which involuntary contraction of muscles happens; which lead to spasms and cramps. It is very important for bone remodelling and bone growth.
To reduce the risk of rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults; the addition of a sufficient amount of vitamin D in the diet is necessary. It also has a key role in the body to reduce inflammation. The modulation process of neuromuscular, immune function, glucose metabolism and cell growth is also supported by Vitamin D.
Health Risks of Excess Vitamin D Intake
The excess of anything is erroneous and always causes certain problems. The same goes with excess vitamin D intake. The excess vitamin D can be toxic for the body. As you know it helps to increase calcium absorption in the gut. But with its excess amount you can have hypercalcemia; it is a disorder in which the amount of calcium in the body goes beyond the normal range. It can lead to health issues like muscle weakness, kidney stones, excessive thirst, vomiting, nausea, pain, loss of appetite, polyuria and dehydration.
The excess of vitamin D can also possibly cause precarious health conditions like renal failure, calcification of soft tissues throughout the body; that includes the heart valves and coronary vessels. This condition may cause cardiac arrhythmias and can even lead to death.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Let’s make it clear; why we are writing about Vitamin D. According to certain research done on it; as per the current scenario of Covid 19, it is found that vitamin D can help to increase immunity and has been effective in dealing with viral infections; which includes HIV, influenza and Covid 19.
Reduces the risk of microbial infection and some other health issues. It also provides cellular natural immunity, adaptive immunity and acts as a physical barrier. The following are some of the other key benefits of vitamin D.
Minimize the Risk of Flu
In some findings, it is found that vitamin D has a protective effect against various viruses. That’s why it almost reduces the risk of flu causing viruses and prevents you from catching colds easily.
Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
If you are pregnant; then we suggest you add vitamin D in your diet. In some research, it is found that pregnant women who have vitamin D deficiency are at risk of developing preeclampsia; it is a pregnancy complication in which there is the occurrence of organ damage, most often kidneys and liver with high blood pressure. With poor vitamin D in your body; you can have gestational diabetes and bacterial vaginosis.
Healthy Bones
There is a very significant role of vitamin D in the maintenance of phosphorus and regulation of calcium levels in the blood. These factors help it to maintain strong bones. The lack of vitamin D causes severely bow-legged appearance in children; due to softening of their bones.
Conclusion
Vitamin D has always been an essential vitamin for the human body to work properly. It became more popular; after the challenge posed by Covid 19. Its effectiveness against several other viruses was proven a long time ago. It might be a little difficult to get vitamin D from natural sunlight in South Africa , especially during the cold winter months.
Therefore, you can get some of the best vitamin supplements from your local medical stores or opt for shopping online in South Africa and get it delivered anywhere you choose. Vitamin supplements will help you to meet the general vitamin requirements of the body.
It has potential effectiveness as an antiviral. But you should not take it in excess amounts, otherwise, you can face health problems; that we have mentioned above. If you include vitamin D supplement in your diet plan; then you can build some immunity against HIV, influenza and also the Coronavirus. It also plays a potential protective role in the case of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lead a good healthy life and boost your immunity level with Vitamin D.
Disclaimer
This article was written only for informational purposes. It was written after doing research on different sources both online and offline. The products mentioned in this article do not prevent or cure any disease. If you are pregnant or taking any type of medication, then you should first consult with your doctor before using those products.
