In a society where we frequently prioritize work, school, and indoor activities, we may be overlooking one of the most important nutrients our bodies require: Vitamin D. Unfortunately, vitamin D3 insufficiency is becoming more common, leading to a variety of health problems that can have a significant influence on our lives.

Prevalence 

According to one of the studies in Pakistan, Vitamin D deficiency showed that among the selected citizens 53.5% had vitamin D deficiency, Insufficiency in 31.2%, and only 15.3% have normal vitamin D.

To maintain a healthy level of vitamin D, a circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D greater than 30 ng/mL is required. 

In this blog, we'll look at the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and the diseases associated with it. 

Vitamin D3 Deficiency

Many patients and clinicians believe that enough vitamin D intake may be attained solely through diet. This assumption is incorrect as most meals have low or no vitamin D content. Worldwide, natural dietary sources of vitamin D are limited, inconsistent, or inadequate to fulfill the requirements.

 As a result, majority of the people receive vitamin D predominantly through cutaneous production through sun exposure. However, several factors e.g., time of day, season, latitude, altitude, clothes, sunscreen use, pigmentation, and age affect the amount of Vitamin D produced from sunlight. For further details click the link (reference)

Symptoms of Vitamin D3 Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency occurs without any prominent signs or indication yet there are some symptoms that may indicate the deficiency of Vitamin D3 in your body. These are

• Muscle Fatigue
• Bone And Joint Pain 
• Hair Loss
• Impaired Wound Healing
• Depressed Mood
• Increased Sensitivity to Pain
• Muscle Twitches and Tremors
• Muscle Spams 
• Bowed Legs
• Tingling Sensations in Hands and Feet
• Pale Skin 
• Easily Getting Sick or infection
• Loss Of Sleep
• Loss Of Appetite
• Irritability
• Lethargic
• Weight Gain

This is not a complete list, and other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may also exist. If you have any of the symptoms listed above or suspect vitamin D insufficiency, see your doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Diseases caused by the deficiency of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is one of the most important minerals for human health. As a member of the steroid hormone family, it has a conventional role in regulating calcium metabolism, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Epidemiological research has linked vitamin D3 insufficiency to prevalent chronic diseases. Some of them are discussed below

Bone metabolic abnormalities

Rickets characterized by softening and weakening of bones in children and osteomalacia softening of bone in adults are the classic manifestations of profound vitamin D deficiency. 

Furthermore, adults are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition marked by low bone mass and structural degeneration of bone tissue, which increases bone fragility and the risk of bone fractures. 

Bone health is also dependent on muscle support to help with balance and postural sway, lowering the risk of falling. Low vitamin D levels can have a negative impact on muscle strength, resulting in muscle weakness and pain and compromising overall bone function.

Cancers

Vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to a number of malignancies including breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and colorectal cancer. 

According to research, vitamin D may suppress carcinogenesis and decrease tumor progression by boosting cell differentiation and reducing metastasis. Vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic properties as well.

Vitamin D is essential for a healthy heart, blood vessels, as well as maintaining appropriate blood pressure. According to research, vitamin D supplementation may help lower blood cholesterol levels and hypertension, which are two major risk factors for heart disease. 

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with vascular dysfunction, arterial stiffening, and left ventricular hypertrophy. For these reasons, vitamin D has been linked to heart health and risk of CVD. 

Studies showed that taking a high dose of Vitamin D3 reduces the risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the senior population. For further detail, you can read this article: (reference)

Mental disorders 

Vitamin D insufficiency causes both medical and psychological issues as vitamin D receptors are present in different areas of the brain. Hence, a deficiency of Vitamin D3 is thought to be a contributor to schizophrenia, depression, and seasonal affective disorder.

Vitamin D is a natural immune regulator, and research suggests that low vitamin D levels may be linked to autoimmune illnesses such as Diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s Disease.

According to “Daily Times” Pakistan is ranked first in the world for Diabetes with a prevalence rate of 30.8 %. 

Having optimal levels of vitamin D ensures the appropriate insulin release and helps your body regulate glucose metabolism. Also, vitamin D plays an important role in reducing insulin resistance and improving pancreatic beta-cell function and inflammation which are crucial factors in preventing diabetes.

Vitamin D appears to have the ability to suppress lung inflammatory responses while increasing innate defense systems against respiratory infections preventing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Tuberculosis, and asthma.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is essential for general health and the prevention of numerous symptoms and disorders. It is needed for calcium absorption, which is required for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D levels that are adequate also maintain a healthy immune system, lowering the risk of infections, and have been associated with a lower risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. Regular sun exposure and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods or supplements are effective approaches to ensure optimal levels and protect against potential deficits and associated health concerns.

Where you can find the best Vitamin D3 supplements in Pakistan?

Including high-quality supplements, such as Scotmann SunnyD Vitamin D3 and SunnyD PRO, in your daily routine may assist you in reducing the risks associated with deficiency of Vitamin D3. Scotmann’s SunnyD and SunnyD PRO are popular brands of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 that are available in a variety of dosage forms and strengths according to your needs throughout Pakistan. By visiting d-dukaan.com , you can easily order yours and arrange for home delivery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to find the best solution for your specific circumstances. Discontinue if you are allergic to any of the content of the product.