Vitamin D in the right concentration makes the bones strong and the teeth he althy. The proper level of this vitamin also means a functioning circulatory system, a slim figure, and a lower risk of cancer development. Consequently, both an excess of vitamin D and a vitamin D deficiency in the body can harm. What are the symptoms of excess and deficiency of vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency and excess - causes

Vitamin Dhas many important functions in the body. In order to perform them properly, it must be supplied to the body in appropriate doses. Bothexcessandvitamin D deficiencyin the body can be harmful.

Vitamin D deficiency is usually caused by insufficient exposure to the sun. A 20-minute walk in the sun is enough to get the right amount of vitamin D. However, in spring and summer, creams with a high filter are usually used to protect against burns. In turn, in autumn and winter, for obvious reasons, the process of vitamin D production in the skin is insufficient, hence its deficiencies.

Vitamin D overdoseis usually caused by taking an excess (four times the recommended dose) of vitamin and mineral preparations.

Vitamin D deficiency - symptoms

The most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in the body are:

  • bone and muscle pain
  • periodontal disease
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhea
  • insomnia
  • visual disturbance
  • disgust and burning sensation in the mouth and throat
  • chronic fatigue
  • depressive states.

Infants have an excessively flat head at the back (due to the softening of the bones of the skull), and bulging frontal bumps may appear on the forehead. The fontanel growth process is also delayed. In turn, as a result of rickets of the ribs and weakness of the abdominal muscles, the child may have the so-called "Frog" tummy (when it lies, the tummy spills out to the sides).

Vitamin D deficiency - effects

Insufficient amount of this vitamin contributes to the development of rickets in young children, and in adults to osteoporosis and the so-calledosteomalacia, which is basically the same as rickets - softening of the bones. In addition, the strength of the muscles weakens, therefore, there may be problems with walking, and painful cramps almost always occur.

In addition, vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases (especially hypertension), diabetes, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) and cancer (breast, prostate, colon ). Vitamin D deficiency can also accelerate the aging process.

Vitamin D deficiency in utero may lead to impaired development of the child's brain and cause permanent damage to brain functions, which increases the risk of schizophrenia or autism.

Foods rich in vitamin D. Check what to eat to make up for its deficiency [gallery]

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Excess vitamin D - symptoms

The most common symptoms of excess vitamin D in the body are:

  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • increased feeling of thirst
  • weakness
  • increased urination
  • sweating
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • itchy skin
  • headache and eye pain.

Excess vitamin D - effects

An overdose of vitamin D leads to the accumulation of calcium in the tissues, incl. in the heart, particularly in the arteries and kidneys. As a consequence, the work of the heart and the central nervous system is disturbed. In addition, the incidence of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys increases.

Vitamin D overdose is also dangerous for the fetus as it can cause fetal deformities and bone disease in the newborn.

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Author: Time S.A

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