Vitamin D is a vital fat-soluble vitamin. It is commonly referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” since it is produced by our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Additionally, it is the most prevalent nutritional deficit.
Vitamin D serves a variety of purposes in the body, much like the majority of vitamins. It is mostly recognized for its capacity to support the development of robust bones. However, a healthy immune system, digestive system, heart and brain health, blood sugar management, fertility, and cancer resistance are all dependent on vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency treatment Dubai is important because this nutrient is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight, and Dr. Barbara often reminds patients how common the deficiency is.
Vitamin D In The Body
Vitamin D (calciferol) is not “active” in our bodies. It must first be transformed into the active form to perform its miracles. There are two steps in this process. It is first changed into 25(OH)D (calcidiol) by the liver. The kidneys then transform that into 1,25(OH)D (calcitriol). The third form that is active in the body is calcitriol.
Vitamin D functions similarly to a hormone. This indicates that it originates in the epidermis and moves through the body to affect the bones.
Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, excess amounts of it are kept in the liver rather than being eliminated through the urine, unlike excesses of many other vitamins.
Vitamin D For Bones
Vitamin D is best recognized for its benefits to bone health. Bones are living things that are always changing. They therefore require a steady supply of nutrients, just like other tissues.
The body absorbs calcium more effectively when vitamin D is present. IV therapy for Vitamin D Dubai is sometimes used by Dr. Barbara for patients needing faster nutrient delivery and stronger mineralization.
Vitamin D interacts with other hormones to maintain healthy calcium levels in the blood. The body usually favors the blood over the bones when it comes to calcium. This is because blood carries calcium throughout the body for vital processes, such as heart and muscle contractions. This is why maintaining calcium levels in the blood is more vital than maintaining them in the bones.
Any extra calcium in the blood is stored in the bones when it is sufficient. The mineralization and strengthening of the bones occur at this point. Two actions occur to boost the blood’s calcium level when there is insufficient of it. First, vitamin D that is stored in the liver is activated to aid in the absorption of additional calcium from meals. Second, the body eliminates calcium that is held in the bones to increase blood calcium levels.
Bones can grow weak and brittle if we don’t routinely get enough calcium and vitamin D. Severe vitamin D deficiency can result in osteomalacia in adults and rickets in youngsters. Osteoporosis can develop over time with less severe vitamin D (and/or calcium) “insufficiency” (as opposed to a more severe “deficiency”).
A sufficient level of 25(OH)D in the blood is linked to increased bone density. According to studies, taking vitamin D supplements may lower the incidence of bone fractures and falls.
Fun Fact: Rickets and osteomalacia provide the best proof of what vitamin D deficiency really causes. There is some evidence for the other disorders, but it’s unclear how many of them are brought on by a vitamin D shortage or insufficiency, or whether there are other contributing variables.
Inflammation, The Immune System, And Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to immune-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis, according to several studies. Vitamin D appears to have “anti-inflammatory” and “antioxidant” qualities in the lab.
According to some experts, vitamin D may also aid with severe food allergies because of its effects on the immune system. Children who have low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop food allergies.
Vitamin D And Digestive Diseases
Vitamin D is absorbed with fat in the diet because it is fat-soluble. Therefore, low levels of vitamin D are a problem for those who do not consume or absorb enough fat. This can include those who have had gastric bypass surgery, have inflammatory bowel illnesses (IBD), including Crohn’s and colitis, or have a variety of digestive disorders such as celiac disease.
Additionally, a healthy stomach appears to be closely linked to a good vitamin D level. For instance, there is a connection between intestinal disorders, including IBD and colon cancer, gut inflammation, gut microbiota state, and suboptimal vitamin D.
Vitamin D And Cancer
Low vitamin D levels are linked to more than only colon cancer. A decreased risk of breast and prostate cancer is linked to higher vitamin D levels.
Higher doses of vitamin D appear to hurt cancer cells in the lab. They appear to perish more easily and do not penetrate or divide other tissues.
It’s uncertain if taking vitamin D supplements Dubai would lower a person’s chance of developing cancer.
Vitamin D And Heart Health
Numerous studies have connected heart disease to low blood levels of vitamin D.
Elevated blood levels of vitamin D may somewhat lower blood pressure and heart disease risk.
Although there is conflicting information about the impact of vitamin D supplements on heart disease risk, they may modestly decrease blood pressure.
Vitamin D And Blood Sugar
Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased insulin resistance in adults without diabetes. Additionally, it can raise the chance of getting diabetes.
Vitamin D injection Dubai may support people with diabetes who struggle to maintain stable glucose levels. Some diabetics show improved blood sugar control with supplementation.
Vitamin D For Mental And Brain Health
Vitamin D “receptors” are found in cells in important brain regions. Vitamin D also regulates the formation of nerve cells, influences the growing brain, and plays a part in sleep and circadian rhythms.
There is mounting evidence that depressive symptoms are associated with decreased blood levels of 25(OH)D.
Low vitamin D levels have also been linked in certain studies to an increased risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s illnesses.
Vitamin D And Fertility
Vitamin D appears to boost sperm motility and survival. Vitamin D blood test Dubai assists patients in evaluating fertility issues under Dr. Barbara’s care. Infertility appears to be linked to blood vitamin D levels that are either too high or too low.
Forms of vitamin D
Numerous vitamins are available in several forms. Two versions of vitamin D are available: D2 and D3. Their chemical structures differ somewhat from one another.
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is the plant-based form, while vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is from animals. Rickets can benefit from both types. However, vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 at larger dosages.
Sources Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D comes from three primary sources: meals, supplements, and sun exposure. Nutritional deficiency treatment Dubai emphasizes understanding dietary sources like fatty fish, liver, and fortified foods.
Sun exposure
“Pre” vitamin D is found in our skin. This “pre-vitamin” is transformed into vitamin D (calciferol) when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. In actuality, people’s vitamin D levels decrease throughout the winter. The issue is that excessive UV exposure over time can cause dryness and other cosmetic changes in the skin in addition to skin cancer.
Foods
Vitamin D is not naturally occurring in many foods. Fish liver oils and fatty fish are the finest sources. Egg yolks, various cheeses, and beef liver also contain some of them. These are in the D3 form as they come from animal sources. In fact, some have already been transformed into 25(OH)D, which is believed to be five times more powerful than the standard D3 form.
Certain sun-exposed mushrooms are naturally occurring plant sources of vitamin D2. That’s all.
Vitamin D is also added to some diets because it is present in so few foods naturally. We refer to this as “fortification.” Actually, the primary dietary source of vitamin D in the UAE is fortified foods. Vitamin D status can be raised by fortifying foods with the vitamin.
Breakfast cereals, yogurt, milk, and certain orange juices are among these items that have been fortified with vitamin D. If your product has been fortified with vitamin D, check the label to see if it is mentioned as an ingredient. Additionally, you may verify if D2 or D3 vitamin D was supplied.
An endocrinologist for vitamin D issues Dubai may guide patients needing deeper evaluation of absorption or metabolism.
Fun Fact: Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, taking it with a meal that contains fat improves absorption from meals, beverages, and supplements.
Supplements
There are two types of vitamin D supplements: D2 and D3. Yeast is exposed to UV light to create the plant-based D2 form. Lanolin is used to make the animal-based D3 form.
Vitamin D replacement therapy Dubai ensures the right form and dose is selected based on 25(OH)D blood levels. Dr. Barbara supervises supplement plans for precision.
Vitamin D Deficiency
According to studies, 30–80% of individuals just don’t receive enough vitamin D. This deficit is so widespread that some experts have referred to it as a “global problem” and a “public health concern.”
A person with fewer than 30 nmol/L of 25(OH)D in their blood is considered to have a vitamin D insufficiency. At least 50 nmol/L (20 ng/L) is ideal.
- <30 nmol/L = deficient
- 30-50 nmol/L = insufficient
- 50-80 nmol/L = optimal
Vitamin D deficits can occur over time when people do not get enough safe sun exposure or do not consume enough vitamin D-rich foods. It may also occur if the kidneys struggle to convert the “pre-vitamin” D into the active form 1,25(OH)D, or if the vitamin is poorly absorbed. The following individuals are more prone to have a vitamin D deficiency:
- Pregnant and lactating women, and breastfed infants;
- Older adults;
- Individuals with little exposure to the sun, such as athletes who practice indoors;
- Individuals with darker skin tones;
- Individuals with digestive disorders (such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.) that hinder appropriate absorption;
- Individuals who are obese,
- Individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery.
How Much Vitamin D Do We Need?
It’s generally recommended to acquire 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., at least four to five times a week, without wearing sunscreen, on the face, arms, legs, or back to get adequate vitamin D.
The “Recommended Dietary Allowance” (RDA) is the quantity that guarantees at least 97% of people receive adequate vitamin D each day. These suggestions are:
- For babies under one year old, 10 mcg (400 IU) daily.
- All individuals aged 1–70 years, including those who are pregnant or nursing, should take 15 mcg (600 IU) daily.
- 20 mcg (800 IU) daily for all adults over 70.
- Both IU (international units) and mcg (micrograms) can be used to quantify vitamin D in meals and supplements. 40 IU = 1 mcg is the conversion factor.
Summary
Vitamin D plays several health-promoting roles in the body. The majority of the data support bone health, but it is also linked to heart and mental health, a healthy digestive system, a strong immune system, blood sugar control, fertility, and cancer resistance.
The most prevalent deficiency is vitamin D.
Vitamin D may be obtained from supplements, certain foods, and sun exposure.
If you are at risk, getting your blood tested is the best method to find out how much vitamin D you need. Following the instructions on the package of your vitamin D pills might be a safe approach to acquire enough if you don’t have a vitamin D test Dubai or a professional suggestion.
Wellness At Dr. Barbara’s Clinic
We can assist you if you’re prepared to enhance your performance, well-being, and standard of living. Our top-notch wellness expert, Dr. Barbara, is widely known for offering unmatched experiences and life-changing solutions. She will pay close attention to your objectives and worries, address all of your inquiries, and assist you in making wise decisions.
Instead of treating the body as separate parts, integrative medicine sees and treats it as a single, cohesive whole. To find the underlying causes of illness as well as any early warning signs of future illness, our medical team uses comprehensive, patented diagnostic evaluation techniques. After that, we suggest the necessary therapies to get your body back to a balanced, healthy, young, and energetic state. A thorough diagnostic assessment is the first step in our approach.
Our Diagnostic Assessment gives you a baseline of important details about your general health. In addition to taking into account your objectives, concerns, and medical history, our team looks at all of your key bodily functions to see how they are interacting. Comprehensive lab workups of your blood, saliva, urine, or feces are examples of testing. This gives you a thorough grasp of your current situation and pinpoints the underlying reasons behind your symptoms. After that, we create a low vitamin D treatment Dubai that takes into account your unique body chemistry and way of life in order to help you become healthier and proactively avoid developing any further illnesses. Options for treatment include:
- Micronutrients
- Supplements of Pharmaceutical Grade
- IM and IV Treatments
- Nutrition counseling and food sensitivity testing
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapies
At Dr. Barbara’s clinic, providing exceptional patient care is central to our philosophy. We want you to look and feel your best and feel as though you have received the greatest treatment available. We strive to exceed all of your expectations at every turn. We are always improving our services, technology, and expertise.