The ‘Wonder’ Vitamin

ALTAF VAIYA

Vitamin D is essential…

“To maintain good health...”

-regulates levels of calcium and phosphate in the body required for healthy teeth and bones

-regulates the immune system, helping prevent infection, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

The evidence is clear...

“Vitamin D is crucial for bone and muscle

development and in the prevention of

osteoporosis...”

“Unlike other vitamins, we do not need to get Vitamin D entirely from food....”

Source: Our Body

A main source of Vitamin D is made by our own bodies, through the exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in sunlight convert cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D.

“So our skin is so vital for the production of this essential vitamin....”

Source: Our Diet

Oily fish: e.g., sardines, mackerel, salmon

Egg Yolk

Fortified foods e.g., milk, margarine, cereals

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency?

It has been long established that up to 50% of the UK population may have insufficient levels of vitamin D in the body due to a lack of exposure to direct sunlight

FACTS ON VIT D:-50% of Population are lacking in this vitamin...WE NEED TO TACKLE THIS...

Better to identify early those at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency…

Prevention is better than cure…

At Risk Groups:

• Pregnant & breastfeeding women

• Housebound

•Children under 5

•cover up more in the sun

• over 65• Those with

certain medical conditions

• African, Afro-Caribbean

• & South Asian origin

Why are Asians and elderly more at risk?

Group Cause

Naturally very dark skinned people

The melanin in their skin affects UV penetration so they need more UV exposure to make vitamin D

Elderly peopleHave thinner skin, so are unable to produce as much vitamin D.

Menopausal women

Are prone to osteoporosis, hence are at a greater risk to Vitamin D deficiency.

Research...

Much research into vitamin D deficiency have revealed that a large proportion of the population are either unaware of this problem, or ignore the importance of it!

“This indicates the importance of increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency ...especially in the OLDER ASIAN POPULATION...”

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

Many people have no symptoms, or only vague ones such as general aches...

Symptoms in adults:

• General vague aches & pains• Tiredness• Bone pains may develop and are

typically felt in the ribs, hips, pelvis, thighs and feet.

• Osteomalacia (softening of the bones)

Symptoms in babies and children:

Babies with severe vitamin deficiency can get;

• muscle spasms (cramps), seizures and breathing difficulties

• Children with severe deficiency may have soft skull or leg bones

• Poor growth. • Tooth delay

-A simple blood test for vitamin D level can make the diagnosis. -Blood tests for calcium and phosphate levels and liver function may also show changes linked to a low level of vitamin D...

Testing for Vitamin D:

How much is enough?

Patient Class Daily supplementation dose of Vitamin D

Aged over 65 years or all ages with reduced exposure to sun

10mcg (400iu)

Supplementation Guidance

Vitamin D is available in supplement form...and can be bought over the counter:• This is a form of vitamin D called

ergocalciferol or calciferol. • Vitamin D can be given as an

injection or as a medicine (liquid or tablets).

• Doctors discuss the dose, and best treatment schedule, depending on the situation, age, severity of the deficiency, etc.

The usual treatment dose for Vitamin D deficiency in adults is:

• 10,000 IU calciferol daily or 60,000 IU calciferol weekly for 8-12 weeks

Or• Calciferol 300,000 or 600,000 IU orally or by intramuscular injection once or twice

What dose?

Dietary...- Oily fish (salmon & sardines)

and eggs..- Difficult to get adequate

levels of vitamin D from diet alone.”

A larger proportion of Vitamin D levels should come from...

-Experts advise exposing the skin to regular, short periods of sun during the summer months, without sunscreen, which blocks UVB rays...

Other Sources....

However it is important to ensure the skin does not burn...

Sunlight...

Symptoms of high calcium include;• thirst• passing a lot of urine• nausea and vomiting• dizziness and headaches

If any of these symptoms are experienced then you must stop the supplements and see a GP immediately.

But High levels of Vitamin D dangerous

It is also best to see a GP to check vitamin D levels before starting supplements, as in cases of severe vitamin D deficiency, Prescription only medicines may be required.

High levels of Vitamin D can increase calcium levels in the blood, and leading to bone thinning...

What is the outlook to Vitamin D deficiency?

Hence we need to make an effort to recognise whether we are deficient or not!

Excellent outlookSymptoms respond well to

treatmentBut it can take time – sometimes

months for bones to recover and pain to improve

Take home message...

We have to take an active role in our physical health and well-being...by taking the appropriate steps to combat vitamin D deficiency

•Increase awareness of vitamin D deficiency:

•Tell family and friends how common this deficiency is

•Pass on leaflets •Refer to websites etc.

If we all take an active role to combat vitamin D deficiency...I am sure this problem can be reduced!!...