If you are interested to find out more about the influence of vitamin D deficiency on cancers and autoimmune diseases, read the following article. According to recent researches, vitamin D can influence nearly two hundred genes. These genes include the ones that are involved in development of cancer and other autoimmune diseases. One of such illnesses is multiple sclerosis. This discovery clearly shows that vitamin D is extremely important for overall health.
Vitamin D is found in two forms: D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is normally synthesized in the human body during the sun exposure. It is also found in some foods, like animal meat, eggs, fish liver oil and fortified milk. Vegetarians can be at risk of getting deficient in this vitamin, simply because they don’t consume these foods. The quantities of vitamin D found in these foods are not satisfactory, but if combined with sun exposure, proper diet can play a role in vitamin D deficiency prevention.
Vitamin D Deficiency
People who live in northern areas are at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin D. The best way to get vitamin D is to spend time in the sun at least three times a week. In countries where there is not much sun during the whole year, this can be a problem. That is what vitamin D supplements are used for. If you are a vegetarian, or you don’t spend enough time in the sun, talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements. This is a good way to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious problems, such as rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, fatigue, bone softening, bone fractures, and weakness. This condition is related to certain types of cancer. Let us find out more about the influence of vitamin D deficiency on cancers and autoimmune diseases.
The Influence of Vitamin D Deficiency on Cancers and Autoimmune Diseases
Researches have shown that vitamin D has an influence on the human DNA. VDR (vitamin D receptors) bind to certain location in the genome. Vitamin D affects more than two hundred genes.
Vitamin D deficiency is not only the primary cause of rickets in children; it can also lead to certain autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis, diabetes type I, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D deficiency is also related to certain types of cancers.
Normal levels of vitamin D can prevent various problems, some of which can be quite serious. The best way to get vitamin D is to spend time in the sun. Twenty minutes in the sun without the sunscreen will help your body produce sufficient quantities of vitamin D. Most people have low levels of vitamin D during the winter season. It will be wise to talk to your doctor about other ways to get vitamin D. Vitamin supplements are still the best solution for people who live in cold climates.
Vitamin D deficiency is actually quite common, but many people do not know that their vitamin D levels are low. The symptoms usually occur very late. You should not wait for the symptoms to occur! Visit your doctor and check your vitamin D levels in time.