VITAMIN D is well known for its benefits for bone health, and is also good for strengthening the immune system in the human body. Apart from that, vitamin D has several benefits, such as:

1. Maintain healthy bones and teeth
2. Increase body immunity (immune)
3. Maintains lung and heart function
4. Prevent cancer
5. Overcoming depression
6. Reduces the risk of diabetes

SOURCE OF VITAMIN D

• – Sunlight (there are several recommendations regarding sunbathing and vitamin D, the general recommendation is sunbathing 5-30 minutes 3x a week at 10.00 – 16.00 helps the formation of vitamin D).
• – Foods, such as: fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, cheese and milk, foods or drinks enriched with vitamin D.
• – Supplements or vitamins that contain vitamin D.

CAUSES OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

• – Lack of vitamin D from food.
• – Impaired absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract.
• – Lack of sun exposure.
• – Kidney/liver disorders so that vitamin D in the body cannot be converted into active form.
• – Consuming drugs that interfere with vitamin D metabolism, for example: laxatives, anti-cholesterol drugs (cholestyramine, colestipol), anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin, phneobarbital), steroids, anti-tuberculosis drugs (rifampin), and weight loss drugs (orlistat).

DAILY VITAMIN D NEEDS

• – Newborns – 12 months: 400 IU
• – 1 year – 70 years: 600 IU
• – > 70 years: 800 IU
• – Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 600 IU

NB: IU (International Unit) Each person's needs may be different, higher doses may be needed according to doctor's advice. Normal levels of vitamin D ≥ 30 ng/ml.

SHOULD YOU ALWAYS TAKE HIGH DOSES OF VITAMIN D?

Consult your doctor whether you need to take high doses of vitamin D. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe a dose of 1000-5000 IU of vitamin D depending on medical needs and conditions.

Examination of Vitamin D levels in the body can be done in our laboratory.

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