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03.03.2020

Vitamin D has occupied a place among the substances vital for humans discovered and studied by science for about a hundred years. Everyone has probably heard about the benefits of the sun vitamin, but what exactly is it useful for? This article will tell you about what vitamin D is, where it is contained, and why its deficiency and excess are dangerous.

Forms of vitamin D

Often all D vitamins are collectively referred to as calciferol, despite the fact that this is the name of a particular vitamin - D3. In medical practice, vitamin D is understood as forms D2 and D3; they are considered the most active and therefore most effective in providing the required action. The functions of all these vitamins are similar, so we can say that they differ mainly in activity and method of production. In published articles, they are most often not separated, even doctors, when talking about vitamin D, mean all of its forms. If we are talking about a specific vitamin, it is mentioned separately.

According to modern science, vitamin D comes in six forms:

D1- a form containing two steroid derivatives, ergocalciferol and lumisterol. It was first found over a hundred years ago in cod liver. The vitamin is not found in its pure form and can be obtained only through chemical synthesis. D1 contributes to the normal growth of bone tissue, controls the level of macronutrients in the body. With sufficient intake, it can be stored in muscle and adipose tissues and consumed as needed.
D2, or ergocalciferol, is formed by exposing ergosterol to ultraviolet rays. In nature, it is synthesized by fungi. D2 can be called both a vitamin and a hormone at the same time - it regulates the level of calcium and phosphorus and at the same time affects the functioning of internal organs using its own receptors. If the body needs calcium or phosphorus, it begins to actively synthesize this vitamin or use up its reserves.
D3, or, in other words, cholecalciferol is the most important vitamin in its group. It participates in a huge number of processes at the organismic level, affects most systems - nervous, circulatory, immune.
D4- dihydroergocalciferol - is responsible, like other D vitamins, for maintaining metabolism and controlling macronutrients. But, unlike the others, it has a special function - it is responsible for the production of a special hormone by the thyroid gland, which removes calcium from the body's bone reserves into the blood.
D5, or sitocalciferol, in its structure and properties is very similar to vitamin D3, but much less toxic. Due to this, the vitamin is successfully used in medicine - for example, in anti-inflammatory therapy and in the treatment of diabetes.
D6, otherwise stigmacalciferol is considered a low potency vitamin. Responsible for the prevention of osteoporosis and rickets, ensures the normal development of the skeletal system.

Indications for use

Group D vitamins are prescribed for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. In the first case, the vitamin is taken in combination with the main therapy, most often for diseases with pathologies of the skeletal system and a lack of calcium in the blood. The difference between therapeutic and prophylactic methods is only in dosage: during treatment, drugs are taken in a daily amount of 100-250 mcg, with prophylaxis - 10-15 mcg.

Treatment and prevention of rickets
Fractures and poor healing
Osteoporosis
Hypothyroidism
Liver disease
Increased fragility of bones
Chronic gastritis, pancreatitis
Low levels of vitamin D in the body
Dental tissue disorders
Tuberculosis
Diathesis

Contraindications

Despite all the benefits of vitamin D, there are a number of diseases in which its use is contraindicated:

Hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood)
Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Active form of pulmonary tuberculosis
Vitamin D hypervitaminosis
Acute renal failure
Heart defects
Ischemic disease
Chronic kidney disease

Vitamin D should be taken with caution when:

Atherosclerosis
Heart and kidney failure
During pregnancy and lactation

Dosage

Even for a healthy person, the dosage of vitamin D is not the same. It all depends on age, weight, and the presence of other factors. Normally, the dosage of the vitamin is approximately as follows:

For infants under 1 year old - 7-10 mcg (280-400 IU)
For children from 1 to 5 years old - 10-12 mcg (400-480 IU)
For children from 5 to 13 years old - 2-3 mcg (80-120 IU)
For men and women over 13 years old - 2-5 mcg (80-200 IU)
For the elderly after 60 - 12-15 mcg (480-600 IU)
For breastfeeding women - 10 mcg (400 IU)

To indicate the dosage of vitamin D, micrograms (mcg) and international units (IU) are used. These units of measurement are interchangeable. One international unit equals 0.025 μg and one microgram equals 40 IU.

The dosages shown in the list are optimal to safely replenish vitamin stores. The maximum permissible daily dose for an adult is considered to be 15 mcg. Exceeding it can provoke hypervitaminosis and, as a result, the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms.

What is contained?

Vitamin D is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, and for good reason. Almost all of its forms, except for D2, are synthesized in the epidermis of the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Pro-vitamin D3 is converted into cholecalciferol (directly D3) due to thermal isomerization, after which it enters the bloodstream and is transferred by it to the liver.

In summer, the vitamin is sufficient for the body to function normally, but in winter its production is significantly reduced. A large amount of clothing and short daylight hours prevent it from synthesizing in normal quantities.

In addition to synthesis in the human body, vitamin D is found in food, and for the most part in animal products. So, there is a lot of it in any meat, fish, meat and fish liver, eggs. A high vitamin content is also noted in fermented milk products.

There is practically no vitamin D in plant foods. It is found in small amounts in corn oil, potatoes, and parsley.

Deficit and oversupply

Deficit vitamin D is noted in every tenth inhabitant of our planet. A person suffering from hypovitaminosis quickly gets tired, he develops weakness, muscle pain, problems with teeth, vision. If you do not pay attention to these symptoms in time, the patient may face more serious diseases - rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, bone deformities.

Rahita mostly young children are affected. With a lack of vitamin D, they may experience hair loss, sweating, and teething problems. In severe cases, the bones of the chest can be deformed and softened, a hump appears. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to ensure that the level of the vitamin remains normal, and infants are allowed to give it from the first months of life.

Osteoporosis - another disease associated with hypovitaminosis. It is most common among middle-aged and older people and leads to the fact that any, even a slight injury, leads to cracks or bone fractures. To date, it is impossible to completely cure it, only take additional vitamin D and pain relievers.

Depression and migraine are often included in this list of diseases, explaining their development by vitamin deficiency.

Overdose, although it is less common, it still has a place to be. Vitamin D tends to accumulate in the body, and its excess can provoke convulsions, disturbed heartbeat and breathing, weakness, nausea, high blood pressure. Sometimes atherosclerotic plaques associated with excess calcium levels form on the walls of blood vessels.

Hypervitaminosis can occur only in the case of taking large doses of preparations containing vitamin D. Long exposure to the sun does not threaten an excess - from this, the human skin is protected by sunburn.

Treatment consists of vitamin cessation and a plant-based diet. Sun exposure will also have to be avoided. In some cases, it is required to take medications that remove calcium from the body, or even hospital observation.

A blood test can be used to detect a lack or excess of vitamin D. For greater reliability, for several days before donating blood, it is recommended to stop taking vitamin complexes and preparations that may contain it.

Side effect

Vitamin D has many side effects. They can manifest themselves in two situations - in case of misuse or due to individual intolerance. These effects include low blood pressure, weakness, irritability, and nausea. If the daily intake of the vitamin is systematically exceeded, calcifications may form in the organs.

Preparations containing vitamin D

Aquadetrim

The most famous and safe drug that is suitable not only for adults, but also for young children. One drop contains about 600 IU of the vitamin, which is an approximate daily requirement. The drug is prescribed for the prevention of rickets, it can be taken regardless of the time of eating. Recommended to dilute in a spoonful of water.

Alpha D3-Teva

The drug is available in the form of capsules with an oil solution. Approved for use by children over 6 years old and adults - young children cannot swallow the capsule whole. Contains a synthetic analogue of vitamin D, is prescribed for patients with endocrine system disorders. Take one or two capsules after meals with clean water.

Vitamin D, also called calciferol, is essential for people of all ages. The substance must be regularly ingested in order for the skeleton to remain strong. Calciferol is extremely important for the elderly, prone to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Vitamin is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sun radiation, and also enters the body with food. Therefore, it is important for both adults and children to eat well and often walk under the sun. If hypovitaminosis has developed, it is recommended to take vitamin D tablets.

The benefits of calciferol for the human body

Vitamin D performs several important functions in the human body:

participates in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus;
moves minerals through the bloodstream to bone tissue;
helps to strengthen the immune system;
regulates the absorption of mineral elements in the intestine;
participates in the production of certain hormones.

Several types of calciferol are distinguished:

D 2 - ergocalciferol;
D 3 - cholecalciferol;
D 5 - sitocalciferol;
D 6 - stigmacalciferol.

Each of the above types of calciferol performs its own function in the human body. Vitamins D 2 and D 3 are especially important for humans. Other types of calciferol do not significantly affect the functioning of organs and systems.

Cholecalciferol is necessary for the complete absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestinal tract. Ergocalciferol optimizes the concentration of minerals in bone tissue. Vitamins D 2 and D 3 work in combination, so both of them must enter the body in optimal quantities.

The effect of vitamin D on the female and male body

Vitamin D deficiency is the main enemy of female beauty. Calciferol maintains a healthy bone structure, normalizes the work of the heart muscle and nerve fibers, regulates metabolism and blood coagulation processes. With a lack of substance in women, nails break, hair falls out profusely, gums bleed and teeth collapse, limbs hurt, and fractures are often noted. Also, the vitamin is responsible for the absorption of phosphorus. With a deficiency of calciferol in women, due to a decrease in phosphorus in the body, skin rashes appear, health worsens, bones ache, and metabolism is disturbed.

Men who are deficient in vitamin D have the same health problems as women. In addition, calciferol is important for maintaining normal hormonal levels in the male body. With a lack of substance in men, the concentration of testosterone in the blood decreases, which increases the effect on the body of female sex hormones.

Daily intake of calciferol

The amount of vitamin consumed per day is determined by the age and physical condition of the person.

For adults, the norm is 400 IU per day.
For children and adolescents - from 400 to 600 IU.
For the elderly - from 600 to 800 IU.
For pregnant women - about 800 IU.

The best way to get vitamin D is to stand in direct sunlight. People who rarely go outside or live in the northern regions significantly increase the risk of developing hypovitaminosis D. Most of all, the following categories of people need calciferol:

residents of high latitudes;
residents of industrial areas where the air is heavily polluted with harmful substances;
workers forced to work the night shift;
vegetarians, adherents of strict diets;
old men;
dark-skinned people, whose skin covers poorly receive solar radiation;
people with reduced immunity or serious illnesses.

Indications for the use of vitamin D

Vitamin D 3 is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of the following pathologies:

rickets in children - a disease accompanied by thinning of bone tissue and deformation of the skeleton due to impaired calcium metabolism in the body;
osteoporosis;
deterioration in the functioning of the immune system, accompanied by impaired respiratory function and chronic fatigue;
oncology, if there is a predisposition to the development of malignant tumors;
eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases;
hypocalcemia;
renal tubular acidosis.

Also, vitamin D is often prescribed as a restorative agent after prolonged use of corticosteroid and anticonvulsant drugs.

People living in the northern regions must periodically take calciferol preparations to prevent hypovitaminosis and other serious pathologies. For prophylactic purposes, the vitamin is prescribed at least once every three years.

Calciferol-rich foods

Solar radiation is the main, but not the only source of vitamin D. In the winter months, when there is a lack of sun, it is recommended to eat foods containing a significant amount of calciferol. These products include:

fish fat;
sea fish;
cheeses;
butter;
yolk;
milk.

List of the best vitamin D tablets

Pharmacies sell a huge amount of medicines based on vitamin D, both cheap and expensive. The price is determined by the form of release of the drug, efficiency, cost, active ingredient. So, preparations based on vitamin D 3 are more expensive than drugs containing vitamin D 2.

.The best drug prescribed for frail and premature babies. For infants, the vitamin is given in drop form. One drop contains 600 IU of calciferol. To give medicine to a child, the drop must be dissolved in a small amount of water. Aquadetrim is also prescribed for children and adolescents to prevent rickets.
Alpha D 3 -Teva. The medication is sold in capsules containing a solution of calciferol in oil. Designed for adults and children over 6 years old. The medication is taken daily, after meals you need to swallow 1 - 2 capsules, drink plenty of water. According to the instructions for use, the capsule should be swallowed without chewing.
Calcium-D 3 Nycomed. Chewable fruit tablets containing an optimal amount of cholecalciferol and calcium. The drug is intended for adults and children over 6 years of age. The recommended dosage is one tablet per day. The tablet is absorbed or chewed after eating.
Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D 3. A complex drug, sold in tablet form, intended primarily for the prevention of osteoporosis. The optimal dosage is one tablet 2 times a day. The medication is taken before or during meals. It is better not to chew the tablet, but to swallow it whole.
Tevabon. The medication is sold in tablet and capsule form. It is prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis. The active ingredient is alfacalcidol. It is a synthetic analogue of vitamin D.
... Complex preparation based on calcium and cholecalciferol. Recommended for women, as it eliminates brittle nails. It also improves the absorption of minerals in the body, prevents the development of osteoporosis, and normalizes blood clotting. You need to take 1 - 2 tablets per day, preferably chew them.
.A drug in tablets, specially designed for the elimination of osteoporosis and rapid regeneration of the skeleton after fractures. The components of the drug are cholecalciferol, calcium, copper, zinc, boron.
Calcemin. Dietary supplement containing calcium, cholecalciferol, zinc, manganese, copper. Take 1 tablet a day.
Natekal D 3. Chewable tablets based on calcium and vitamin D 3. The medication provides the body with the optimal amount of the mineral, helps to normalize the hormonal background. The daily dose is 1 - 2 tablets. Reception is carried out after meals.
Etalfa. A high-quality Danish drug is marketed under this name. Available in drop and capsule form. Vitamin capsules are dissolved in sesame oil. The medication is intended for the treatment of rickets and osteoporosis.
Van Alpha. The drug is in tablet form based on alfacalcidol - an artificial analogue of vitamin D. It is prescribed for the treatment of rickets, strengthening the immune system, and normalizing the thyroid gland.

Overdose and side effects

If a person is insensitive to the substance, takes the drug in accordance with the instructions, then side effects are usually not observed. In rare cases, the following are noted:

nausea;
headache;
diarrhea;
deterioration of kidney function.

With sensitivity to the substance or overdose, the following symptoms are observed:

a sharp decrease in weight;
nausea, vomiting;
constipation;
dehydration;
calcification;
increased blood pressure.

Contraindications to the use of vitamin D

Like all other vitamins, calciferol should not be taken in excess. It is forbidden to use vitamin D preparations for people sensitive to the active ingredient, suffering from renal osteodystrophy and urolithiasis. People with tuberculosis, heart disease, impaired kidney and liver function, stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer should be extremely careful to take the vitamin. Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before taking vitamin D supplements.

Calciferol, better known to most people as vitamin D, is needed by the body on a daily basis. He is responsible for ensuring that the human skeleton remains strong and develops correctly, and the teeth are strong. The substance is of great importance for the elderly in the prevention of osteoporosis. It is also no less important for young children: vitamin D ensures the normal growth and development of infants. If you choose the right food and walk more often in the fresh air, you can quickly make up for the lack of vitamin D and prevent the occurrence of many serious diseases.

Vitamin D has many different functions in the body. Its main purpose is to regulate the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in the body. Thanks to calciferol, calcium and phosphorus from foods can be fully absorbed. Further, the body uses these elements to build bone tissue. He is also able to normalize the functions of the nervous system, protein metabolism, helps to quickly ripen erythrocytes and enhances immunity.

It is vitamin D that helps to increase the absorption of elements inside the intestine.

The properties of this vitamin are not limited to this. Its significance for the body is simply enormous.

It helps prevent chronic forms of disease (such as diabetes, cancer, blood pressure problems, heart problems, osteoporosis).
It significantly reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer.
Reduces the possibility of breast cancer.
May increase the body's resistance to disease and infection.
Controls the growth and function of body cells.
Takes part in the production of certain hormones.
Provides protection for bones, teeth and hair.

There are several types of vitamin D:

D2 - ergocalciferol;
D3 - cholecalciferol;
D5 - sitocalciferol;
D6 - stigmacalciferol.

Any of the presented forms of calciferol has its own meaning for the body. However, vitamins D2 and D3 are most significant for humans.

Vitamin D3 contributes to the complete absorption of phosphorus and calcium in the intestines. And the balance and concentration of minerals in the bone tissue depends on vitamin D2. Both elements work together, so it is important that the body receives them in the required quantities on time.

In childhood, vitamin D is essential for children to strengthen the immune system and prevent rickets.

Women need calciferol to maintain a healthy bone structure, normalize the work of the heart muscles, nerve fibers, regulate metabolism and correct coagulation (blood clotting). Long-term vitamin D deficiency in the body can result in premature aging and loss of beauty for a woman:

nails begin to break;
hair falls out strongly;
gums bleed;
teeth quickly decay and crumble;
there is frequent pain in the limbs;
frequent bone fractures are possible.

With a lack of calciferol, the concentration of phosphorus in the body also decreases, which leads to skin rashes, deterioration of well-being, pain in the limbs and metabolic disorders.

Similar problems with a lack of vitamin D are observed in the male body. In addition, calciferol deficiency leads to hormonal disorders: the amount of testosterone produced decreases, and female sex hormones increase their effect on the male body (which, in turn, leads to new health problems).

Vitamin D in the body can even be excreted on its own. This occurs with frequent exposure to direct sunlight. Naturally, the body will release much more vitamin D in summer than in winter. Therefore, when determining how much vitamin D the body needs, it is necessary to take into account not only the age, condition of the person, but also the season. The dose of vitamin D for each day is calculated in the international unit of measurement abbreviated as IU).

Vitamin D norm for children

Newborns and children under three years of age need 400 IU of cholecalciferol per day. In preschool age - 200 IU per day, and in adolescence (when rapid growth and development of the body begins again) - 400 IU per day.

Vitamin D for women

From 19 to 50 years old, a woman needs 400 IU of vitamin D per day.

Male norm of vitamin D

From 19 to 50 years old, men, like women, need 400 IU of vitamin per day.

Norm during pregnancy and lactation

If a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, the dose is increased to 800 IU per day.

The norm of vitamins D for the elderly

The rate rises sharply and significantly in old age: after 70 years, 1200 IU of calciferol per day is needed (due to increased fragility of bones).

The need for calciferol increases under the following conditions:

when living in high latitudes;
with poor ecology (for example, if people live in industrial areas with highly polluted air);
when working on the night shift;
when following a vegetarian diet;
in old age (due to the risk of osteoporosis);
with dark skin (the darker the skin, the worse it synthesizes calciferol);
with reduced immunity;
with severe illnesses;
with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (in this case, the absorption of nutrients decreases significantly).

It is important to remember that this vitamin must be taken strictly in accordance with the norms prescribed by the doctor.

When taking vitamin D, patients with certain diseases must be monitored by a doctor:

with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
with kidney disease;
with sarcoidosis;
with hypoparathyroidism.

In no case should the dose of vitamin D be exceeded in the following patients:

with autoimmune diseases;
with epilepsy;
with tuberculosis;
with asthma;
with high cholesterol levels.

Therefore, the patient should always check with the doctor whether he can take vitamin D in the presence of any diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency and overdose symptoms

Lack of vitamin D

Such a diagnosis is usually found in residents of large cities, who have to work indoors almost all daylight hours. In addition, dirty and dusty air in metropolitan areas conducts the sun's rays much worse. Calciferol is found in the skin, so it is easy to break down when the skin interacts with chemicals, soap and household chemicals. Therefore, those people who are too scrupulous about cleanliness are more likely to suffer from hypovitaminosis. More often it also manifests itself in children, women and the elderly.

In most cases, the reasons for its lack are:

excess weight;
complications after medical interventions;
dark skin color;
violation of the liver and kidneys;
insufficient consumption of foods with a high content of vitamin D;
lack of vitamin E in the body;
the use of drugs based on anti-tuberculosis, laxatives, barbiturates.
lack of direct exposure to sunlight.

The symptoms of vitamin D, or rather a lack of it, are very easy to recognize. Vitamin D deficiency usually results in muscle weakness and bone pain. People more often begin to suffer from depression, irritability, neurotic disorders, memory problems. Liver function may be impaired, increasing myopia, caries, reduced immunity. It is also capable of causing many diseases:

bronchial asthma;
osteoporosis;
Alzheimer's syndrome;
rickets and osteomalacia;
oncology;
obesity;
multiple sclerosis;
type II diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin D is especially important for children. If it is not enough, then a disease such as rickets develops. First of all, rickets affects bone tissue. The bones that make up the chest and limbs become much softer. Because of this, their softening occurs, their fragility and fragility increases. In infancy, this is manifested in a long overgrowth of the fontanelle. Changes in the nervous system also begin: the baby becomes whiny, restless, his coordination of movements and sleep are disturbed. At the same time, there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood (anemia), immunity becomes weak and therefore susceptible to various kinds of diseases.

You can also accurately determine the lack of this substance using a blood test.

Excessive content of calciferol in the body is just as dangerous as its lack. Due to the large amount of the vitamin, the release of calcium into the blood can increase, which can cause the following conditions:

weakness, tiredness;
drowsiness;
vomiting, diarrhea;
the appearance of seizures;
pallor of the skin;
frequent and painful urination;
weight loss;
the formation of kidney stones;
impaired kidney function;
a person's behavior changes, he is confused;
orientation is disturbed;
calcium begins to be stored in soft tissues (lungs, heart);
headache;
children stop growing.

This is especially dangerous in childhood and old age, since excess vitamin can lead to death.

Causes of hypervitaminosis:

additional intake of drugs with vitamin D;
the presence of sarcoidosis;
the patient has some types of lymphomas;
lack of food rich in phosphorus and calcium (or one of the elements) in the body;
hyperparathyroidism.

It is important to remember that excess vitamin D is not possible simply with certain foods and prolonged exposure to the sun. Almost always, hypervitaminosis is a consequence of enthusiastic intake of drugs with its content in high doses. Therefore, taking medications and vitamins must always be coordinated with a doctor.

Which vitamin D is better?

The best vitamin D is the one that is produced in the body on its own. It is the most useful, accessible and can be assimilated in the body for sure. It is synthesized in the skin by exposure to sunlight. In order for the body to always have enough calciferol, regardless of the intake of vitamins and diet, it is necessary to adhere to the following tips:

walk on the street every day for at least two hours;
in summer, open the surface of the body as much as possible (as much as possible);
at any time of the year, on sunny days, it is imperative to go out for a walk longer, to do hardening.

Ultraviolet rays cannot pass through fabrics and glass, therefore, with a long stay near a window, a person will not be able to receive any dose of vitamin - it is the direct rays of the sun that are needed. But do not get too carried away and stay on the beach for too long. In order to get the daily rate of the substance, a few hours will be enough. And it is better to do this early in the morning (before ten o'clock in the morning) or in the evening (after four o'clock) in order to avoid the harmful effects of the sun. It is worth knowing that calciferol is not able to form under the skin if it is treated with an agent that protects it from ultraviolet rays.

Excess accumulated vitamin D can be deposited in the liver, which means you can stock up on it for a while.

In second place in terms of "usefulness" for the body is calciferol, which a person receives from ordinary foods. It is of natural origin, which means it can be better absorbed by the body.

In third place are preparations containing calciferol and multivitamin complexes. They are the least useful, since they are of synthetic origin and cannot always be absorbed by the body.

Vitamin D foods

An important quality of the vitamin is its resistance to high temperatures. Therefore, after heat treatment of products, it will retain all its properties. Thanks to vegetable and animal fats, it is completely absorbed by the body.

Most of all, this substance is found in animal products. There are very few plant sources, and they are difficult to assimilate. These are just some of the mushrooms: champignons, porcini mushrooms and chanterelles.

What vitamin D contains in large quantities? Of course, in animal products. This is primarily:

liver (beef, pork);
sea fish (flounder, herring, mackerel);
dairy fats (any dairy products with a high and medium fat content, such as butter, sour cream, cheese);
egg yolk;
Cod liver;
fish fat.

Unfortunately, the more vitamin D a product contains, the more cholesterol it also contains. There is a lot of calciferol in animal products, but the concentration of cholesterol is also high. In plant products, there is practically no cholesterol, but also vitamin D too. Therefore, people who decide to be vegetarians rarely get atherosclerosis, they have no problems in the work of the heart and blood vessels. But therefore, often among vegetarians there are those who do not have enough vitamin D in the body, and therefore their body is prone to rickets and osteoporosis. In this case, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and the inclusion of mushrooms in your diet will help to replenish its reserves. They contain a lot of cholecalciferol, have a high nutritional value, but at the same time they are low in calories.

True, not all mushrooms may be useful. This vitamin in the body of the fungus is produced only if it grew under the sun (just like in humans). Therefore, it is useless to buy mushrooms that are grown on special farms - there they are deprived of the opportunity to receive natural nutrition and lighting. It is better, if possible, to pick mushrooms on your own in the forest or in meadows and fields.

Also, this substance is found in vegetable oils. There is a lot of calciferol in olive, sunflower and linseed oil, but only when they are unrefined and first pressed. A little vitamin D is found in nuts, dandelion, parsley, potatoes, nettle leaves, oatmeal.

The best preparations with vitamin D

It may not always be possible to make up for vitamin deficiencies naturally. Then you should use drugs. Usually they are prescribed by a doctor for very strict diets, inability to stay in the sun for a long time or gastrointestinal diseases. The main advantage of such medicines is the complete absence of cholesterol and other dangerous substances. Medication should be strictly monitored by a doctor.

It is easy to buy the best vitamin D, but it is selected individually for each person, depending on many factors. Vitamin D in the pharmacy can be found in a wide variety of forms. It can be found in multivitamin complexes (tablets), water-based solutions, capsules with fat inside, ampoules for injection into the body with a syringe.

There are a lot of preparations with calciferol. The price depends on many factors. As a rule, preparations with vitamin D2 are much cheaper than their counterparts with vitamin D3 in their composition.

"Aquadetrim". The most popular drug. Most often prescribed to weak and premature babies. Often, pediatricians prescribe it to all babies, 1 drop a day as a prophylaxis for rickets (especially if he was born in a “non-sunny” season). "Aquadetrim" can be given to children from 5 weeks of age. The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the season and the condition of the child. In order for the substance to be better absorbed, it is necessary to give it to the baby before meals and preferably in the morning. One drop of the product contains 600 IU of the vitamin. It can be used by children and adolescents at any age.
"Calcium-D3 Nycomed". Available in large chewable tablets with a variety of fruit flavors. The advantage of the drug is that it contains both calcium and vitamin D in an optimal ratio. It can be taken by adults and children. Having reached the age of six. The desired dosage is one tablet a day after meals (you can chew or dissolve it).
Alpha D3-Teva. It is produced in the form of capsules containing an oily solution of vitamin D. It can be taken by adults and children from 6 years old. It must be taken every day, 1-2 capsules with plenty of water. The capsules should not be chewed - it is better to swallow them whole.
"Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D3". The main function of the remedy is the prevention of osteoporosis. You must take one tablet twice a day. You can drink the drug both before and during meals. It is advisable to swallow the tablets whole, without chewing.
"Van - Alpha". The tablets contain an artificial substitute for vitamin D - alfacacidol. It is used to treat rickets, strengthen immunity, and improve the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Etalfa. Danish remedy. Release form - drops and capsules (based on sesame oil). It is used to treat osteoporosis and rickets.
"Natekal D3". Available in the form of chewable tablets with calcium and vitamin D3. The tool is aimed at enriching the body with useful substances, normalizing hormonal levels. You need to take no more than two tablets a day after meals.
Kalcemin. This is a dietary supplement. In addition to calcium and vitamin D, it contains manganese, copper and zinc. You need to take 1 tablet daily. The action of the drug is to compensate for the deficiency of minerals and vitamins.
Vitrum Osteomag. The action of the drug is aimed at the treatment of osteoporosis and the rapid recovery of bone tissue after fractures. Contains vitamin D3, boron, copper, zinc and calcium.
"Tevabon". Available in the form of tablets and capsules. It is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Contains alfacacidol - an artificial analogue of vitamin D.
Complivit Calcium D3. Able to strengthen nails, hair. Accelerates the absorption of calcium by the body, prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis, normalizes blood clotting. You can take 1-2 tablets of the drug daily. It is better to chew them.

When it comes to getting the vitamin naturally, you just need to be more in the sun.

Instructions for use

Indications for use.

The drug with calciferol can be prescribed for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as:

osteoporosis;
rickets in childhood (thinning of bones and violation of the shape of the skeleton with improper calcium metabolism in the body);
poor immunity with impaired respiratory function;
chronic fatigue;
oncology or a predisposition to the occurrence of tumors;
skin diseases (such as psoriasis, eczema, etc.);
calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia);
renal tubular acidosis.

Vitamin D is often prescribed when recovering from corticosteroids and anticonvulsants.

For prophylaxis, vitamin D must be taken at least once every three years.

Contraindications

As with any drug, vitamin D should never be taken more than the prescribed dose. It is forbidden to use calciferol when:

allergies to the drug;
renal osteodystrophy;
urolithiasis.

The drug is used with caution in tuberculosis, pathologies of the heart, kidneys, liver, ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.

During breastfeeding and during pregnancy, it is worth drinking calciferol only after consulting your doctor.

Calciferol overdose and side effects

In the event that a person is not allergic to vitamin D preparations and he takes them in accordance with the instructions, then side effects are very rare. Only sometimes the following reactions are noted:

headache;
impaired renal function;
diarrhea;
nausea.

In the event that a person has an allergy to the drug, the following conditions are possible:

weight loss in a short time;
nausea and vomiting;
constipation;
calcification;
high blood pressure;
dehydration.

It also often happens that a person takes medications with calciferol, but the tests still do not improve. This means that the reception was not carried out correctly.

There are many drugs with calciferol, and each of them must be used according to individual instructions. There are no universal instructions and dosages of medicines containing calciferol.

To improve the absorption of drugs, you can use the following recommendations.

Different vitamins and medications must be taken separately, not in one meal.
It is best to take vitamins in the morning, with meals (but do not deviate from the instructions in the instructions, if they say otherwise) or between meals.
Vitamin D is fat-soluble. Therefore, it is better absorbed in the intestines if taken with any vegetable oils.
You need to drink the drug with plain water, in no case with tea, juices, coffee or herbal infusions. But you can drink it with milk - it will promote the absorption of the substance.

Analysis for vitamin D

This blood test is not required. Many people in their entire lives may never come across it. It can be prescribed by a doctor in order to accurately establish the amount of vitamin in the blood.

It is desirable to take the analysis in special endocrinological centers. There, a blood test for vitamin D will be performed faster and professionally.

Who needs this procedure?

Usually, blood sampling is arranged for the following symptoms of a lack of vitamin D: lack or decrease in appetite, tearfulness, poor sleep in a child, irritability and increased fatigue and fatigue.

If the concentration of an element in the blood is too high, it is also necessary to donate blood more often for vitamin D (to control the level of the substance). This happens with too long exposure to the sun, vitamin intoxication.

Signs of an overdose are:

vomit;
polyuria;
muscle weakness and pain;
demineralization in bones;
lack of weight;
hypercalcemia.

Blood sampling can also be prescribed for the following diseases:

Whipple's disease, Crohn's;
chronic pancreatitis in combination with insufficient work of secretions;
enteritis (radiation);
celiac enteropathy;
chronic gastritis;
lupus (which affects primarily the skin);
hypocalcemia;
hypophosphatotemia;
osteoporosis;
kidney disease;
kidney problems;
vitamin deficiency D;
hypovitaminosis D;
hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism (together with osteolation).

This analysis is taken in order to determine the degree of concentration of a substance in the blood. This will help to identify hypervitaminosis or hypovitaminosis of calciferol in the body. If a patient suffers from metabolic disorders in bone tissues, then he needs to take similar tests (as well as an analysis for the amount of calcium in the blood) for the entire period of treatment of the disease, and also at times after recovery for prevention. This will help you adjust your medication and medication dosage.

It is necessary to prepare for the study in advance. In no case should you eat in the morning - the analysis is performed on an empty stomach. In this case, after the last meal, at least eight hours (and preferably all twelve) should pass before the analysis is taken. You can drink plain water, but no more: juice (especially sweetened), tea, coffee are prohibited.

Blood is taken from a vein; the procedure itself is not very painful.

Normally, the noomal concentration of the substance ranges from 30-100 ng / ml. A substance deficiency is considered to be 10 ng / ml. An insufficient vitamin content is considered to be from 10 to 30 ng / ml. Human intoxication is possible if the indicator reaches 100 ng / ml or more.

The blood test can be measured in other units (for example, nmol / L). Then the indicators of the norm and deficit will look a little different.

The norm is 75-250 nmol / l;
Lack - 25-75 nmol / L;
Deficiency - 0-25 nmol / l;
The excess is 250 nmol or more.

The blood test is assessed by an endocrinologist, endocrinologist surgeon, or pediatric endocrinologist. Higher doses can be found in the blood of hypoparathyroid patients who receive vitamin D at a normal daily dose, but the figure will be in the order of 1250 ng / ml.

The price of the analysis performed depends on which medical center the blood was taken in and in which region. The cost depends on the price of the actual blood sampling (usually about 100-200 rubles) and the blood test itself for the vitamin content (from 1000 to 3500 rubles). You can donate vitamin D (blood for analysis) only at the medical center itself, and the results of the study can be received directly by e-mail.

The analysis must be taken not only when there is a doctor's testimony, but also to identify many diseases at an early stage.