New Delhi: For optimal health, even the slightest deficiency in any vitamin is crucial. Vitamin D, also known as sunshine vitamin, plays a great role in the maintenance of the skeletal system by enhancing the absorption of calcium. But besides this, it also has other significant roles and is essential for optimal well-being. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be synthesized by the skin cells when exposed to ultraviolet rays of the sun.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Vishu Bhasin, Director and Consultant Pathologist at Dr P Bhasin Pathlabs, spoke about the consequences of vitamin D deficiency and how often one must get tested.
Reasons for regular vitamin D checks
- Osteoporosis prevention: This vitamin plays a critical role in the absorption of calcium, an essential mineral needed for healthy bones and teeth. The deficiency of this vitamin in elderly individuals and post-menopausal women predisposes them to the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Deficiency in children may lead to bone deformities such as rickets. So testing this vitamin early can aid in early detection and prevent bone deformities.
- Boosting up immune response: Those who have vitamin D deficiency are more prone to infections such as the common cold, flu, or other respiratory issues. The two important white blood cells of the body’s immune system namely macrophages and monocytes’ microbe fighting action increases and adds to enhanced immunity. So routinely monitoring vitamin D levels stays best for better immune system functioning.
- Heart friendly: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with various cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure. Renin-angiotensin aldosterone system is a hormone that is responsible for maintaining blood pressure and this system is directly influenced by the levels of vitamin D. So routine investigation of vitamin D can aid in the prevention of heart diseases.
- Boosting mental health: Those individuals who have mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression can improve their symptoms by keeping a check on their vitamin D blood levels and supplementing it when the levels fall. The role of vitamin D in mood upliftment is due to the presence of vitamin D receptors in the brain.
Chronic disease prevention: Research papers have documented a direct association between the onset of chronic diseases and low vitamin D levels such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, or autoimmune disorders. Though the literature may be low, monitoring vitamin D levels frequently can help to prevent various chronic diseases for enhanced quality of life.
Frequency of vitamin D testing
This is multifactorial depending upon various factors such as age, lifestyle, or other conditions, etc. If there are no risks associated with deficiency, you can go for yearly checkups. But if the individual is suffering from any chronic disease or has a darker complexion, then get tested twice a year. And if you are on vitamin D supplements, go for frequent tests to ensure there is no overdosage. Since vitamin D deficiency is on the rise and is associated with numerous physiological functions, keeping a regular check on its blood levels becomes quintessential. The frequency of testing is multifactorial.
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