Vitamin D deficiency is often difficult to detect because the symptoms are non-specific. In fact, vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of bone problems, such as rickets and osteoporosis, as well as a weakened immune system.
Based on the recommendation for nutritional needs from the Ministry of Health, it is necessary to consume 15 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D per day by children, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65 years. As for the elderly over the age of 65 years, the recommended dose of vitamin D is 20 micrograms per day.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D deficiency is a condition in which the body does not get enough of this vitamin. This can happen because you don’t eat enough food sources of vitamin D or are rarely exposed to the sun.
In addition, there are several conditions that can also cause a person to experience a vitamin D deficiency, including:
1. Suffering from disorders or diseases that can inhibit the absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease and malabsorption
2. Suffer from a milk allergy or lactose intolerance
3. Have dark skin color
4. old age
5. Being overweight or obese
6. Taking certain medications, such as anti-seizure drugs or HIV treatment
7. Follow a vegetarian diet
Signs of Vitamin D deficiency _
Vitamin D deficiency can be experienced by anyone, including infants, children, and adults. Although generally there are no specific symptoms, there are some signs and symptoms that can arise when the body is deficient in vitamin D based on age. Here is the explanation.
On a baby and a son
Infants and children who are deficient in vitamin D may show some of the following symptoms:
1. Hard to breathe
2. Muscle cramps and spasms
3. Slower growth
4. Late teething and walking
5. Bone pain
6. Bent leg shape
Being susceptible to disease can also indicate a child has a vitamin D deficiency because a lack of this vitamin can weaken the immune system.
In adults
In adults, vitamin D deficiency is usually characterized by the following symptoms:
1. Frequent muscle aches, back pain, and bone pain
2. Bones are brittle or break easily, even if they are not seriously injured
3. Easily infected with diseases, such as flu
4. The body is easily tired or tired for a long time
5. Bad mood, or showing symptoms of depression
6. Wounds that are hard to heal
7. Hair loss
Some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency above can resemble the signs and symptoms of other diseases. To be sure, an examination by a doctor is required. Later, the doctor will perform a blood test to determine the level of vitamin D in your body.
Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency cannot be taken lightly. The reason is, this condition can increase a person’s risk of experiencing health problems.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to impaired growth and bone strength. It is usually characterized by a crooked leg bone. In children, this condition is called rickets, while in adults it is also known as osteomalacia.
In addition to bone disorders, vitamin D deficiency is also known to increase the risk of several diseases, including:
1. Osteoporosis
2. Arthritis
3. Infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and tuberculosis
4. Depression
5. Headaches and migraines
6. Dementia
7. Diabetes
8. Obesity
9. Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, and heart disease
10. Multiple sclerosis
11. Hair loss
12. Cancers, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer
Pregnant women who lack vitamin D intake are at risk for a number of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, premature birth, and are at high risk of giving birth by cesarean section.
How to Meet the Needs of Vitamin D
Adequate daily intake of vitamin D can keep bones strong and healthy, and prevent various diseases due to deficiency of this vitamin. The following are ways you can do to meet your daily vitamin D needs:
1. Consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, yogurt, eggs, fish oil, and seafood
2. Bask in the morning sun for 20-30 minutes, at least 2 times a week
3. Take vitamin D supplements if needed
However, it should be remembered that vitamin D intake needs to be consumed as needed. Because vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin, excess vitamin D will accumulate in the body. As a result, over time it can cause vitamin D poisoning.