Vitamin D Deficiency Can Lead To Bone Weakness and Malformation

Vitamin D deficiency was at one time a huge problem, particularly among children. Leading to the malformation of the bones, a lack of vitamin D can be a serious issue. Fortunately for most of us, it has become much easier to get our daily required amount of vitamin D through the consumption of fortified foods and the use of dietary supplements.

The primary function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. As it affects calcium production, one of the main benefits of vitamin D is to promote good bone growth. Working together with other vitamins and minerals, it also contributes to bone mineralization.

As we have learned more and more vitamin D facts over the years, we have come to learn just how important it is in ensuring that bones grow strong and straight. The skeleton is the framework that the rest of the body relies upon, so a healthy system of bones is essential to support a healthy body.

As the importance of vitamin D became known, steps were taken to ensure that all children and adults received the appropriate amount. In order to battle vitamin D deficiency, all milk was fortified with vitamin D beginning in the 1930’s. While levels are not as high in other dairy products such as cheese and ice cream, they are still a natural source of this important vitamin.

Another main source of vitamin D is sunlight. The UV rays of the sun trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. While overexposure can be dangerous, generally about fifteen minutes a day of sun can provide most healthy adults and children with the required amount of vitamin D.

The benefits of vitamin D, especially as concerns proper bone development, cannot be emphasized enough. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Both are serious conditions resulting in weakening and malformation of the bones. Children who develop rickets can have soft bones and skeletal deformities. Osteomalacia can cause weakening of the muscles as well as weakening of the bones. Vitamin D facts suggest that it is one of the single most important nutrients for developing bodies.

As we age, our bones are constantly in flux, their inner structure deconstructing and reconstructing itself countless times. Because of this, maintaining proper levels of vitamin D is crucial throughout our lives. Older people, particularly older women, are much more susceptible to osteoporosis or weakening of the bones. Vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate the onset and severity of osteoporosis. The lower the vitamin D level, the more likely an osteoporosis patient is to suffer severe damage from even the slightest of falls.

While most of us can usually gain all the necessary benefits of vitamin D by drinking fortified milk and getting the proper exposure to sunlight, some people may require a vitamin supplement to help boost their daily intake. Infants who are breastfed need a vitamin D supplement as human milk contains a very low amount. Older adults and people who do not get enough sun exposure will also benefit from using a vitamin supplement, as will darker skinned people since dark skin pigmentation prevents the skin from synthesizing vitamin D through sunlight.

Though vitamin D deficiency is not as common as it once was, it is up to us to ensure that we get the proper amount in our daily diet, whether through foods and sunlight or the use of a dietary supplement. There are a wide range of supplements available, but not every one will work the same for every person. Before you take any kind of supplement, be sure to carefully read the label and if you have any questions, consult with your doctor.

The body is a complex structure made of many different systems and vitamins and other nutrients are the building blocks which make the structure work. Getting the proper amount of vitamin D can ensure that your body has a strong and healthy framework to grow on. Every building starts with a solid frame, so be sure to get your vitamin D every day and give your body the best support it can get.

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