The benefits of vitamin D

The role of vitamin D Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone growth. In addition to its building function, the vitamin performs a protective function: it reduces the growth of cancer cells, helps the immune system fight infections, and reduces the severity of inflammatory processes. Vitamin D is also involved in maintaining the normal functioning of the neuromuscular, endocrine and immune systems. The body produces it on its own when a person is in the sun. Vitamin D can also be obtained from food (it is found in some foods) or taken as part of specialized medications. In most regions of Russia, the sun is not active enough during the year. And, since it is difficult to fill the need for vitamin D through nutrition, vitamin D supplementation is often recommended to maintain good health. Types of Vitamin D There are five types of vitamin (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5), but only two forms are used in supplements: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Both forms are of natural origin: they are formed with the participation of ultraviolet radiation. The difference is that vitamin D2 is synthesized in plants and fungi, while vitamin D3 is synthesized in animals and humans. It is generally accepted that the D3 form is better absorbed. Daily intake of vitamin D In autumn and winter, when the sun is not active enough, all people are recommended to take a preventive dose of vitamin D. Preventive daily dose of vitamin D: infants under one year — 400 IU (international units); children over one year old and adults — 600-800 me; people over 50 years old — 800-1000 me; pregnant and lactating women — 800-1200 IU. In some cases, vitamin D supplementation is indicated regardless of the season. For example, children under 4 who are not fed fortified milk formulas should receive it throughout the year. Who needs vitamin D: risk groups Categories of patients to whom a doctor may prescribe an increased dose of vitamin: elderly people; breastfed babies; people with dark skin; people with liver diseases and some other diseases; overweight people; people with reduced sensitivity to vitamin D. A preventive dose is needed to maintain the normal functioning of the body. And to make up for the vitamin deficiency, confirmed by tests, the doctor prescribes an individual dosage. The therapeutic dose of vitamin D can be ten times higher than the preventive dose. It is dangerous to take increased doses of vitamin D without medical supervision. A person may think that they are sunbathing in the sun through a closed window, for example in a car or in an office. But at the same time, it does not receive vitamin D, because the glass does not allow ultraviolet rays to pass through.