vitamin D and immune function

Impact of vitamin D on immune function

Vitamins are a vital part of a healthy diet; the body needs a certain amount daily to maintain good health, vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins that contribute to the health and strength of the body's immunity.

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, with about a billion people of all ages and ethnicities suffering from this deficiency, even in countries where the sun shines all year round.

A study conducted by the American Health Line magazine suggested that more than one billion people around the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and revealed that about 41.6 percent of American adults suffer from a deficiency and that this percentage rises to 69.2 percent among Hispanic adults; and 82.1 percent in African American adults.

 

How do you know you are deficient in Vitamin D?

*Observational studies conducted with nurses in the United States found a strong relationship between low levels of vitamin D and fatigue, as researchers found that 89 percent of nurses were deficient in this vitamin, which makes them tired and exhausted all the time.

*Medical News Today reports that "signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue and bone pain in general, while some people may experience more symptoms related to general lack of activity and even severe depression."

*One study suggests that one of the signs of a vitamin D deficiency may be present during sleep.

Research, one of which was published by the National Library of Medicine in the United States in 2020, shows the effect of vitamin D on fatigue and sleep quality in children. In a study of 39 children, low levels of vitamin D were associated with poor sleep quality, shorter duration of sleep, and later delays in sleep.

*Vitamin D deficiency in children causes diseases related to high blood pressure.

*In adults, vitamin D deficiency appears in the form of osteoporosis.

*The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology point to evidence that low vitamin D is linked to an increased risk of allergies.

 

The importance of vitamin D for health and immunity:

-Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential to the health and functioning of the immune system.

-Vitamin D also boosts the fight against pathogens in white blood cells and plays an important role in reducing inflammation, which helps boost the immune response.

-The "Medical News Today" magazine reports that studies confirm the link of a deficiency in vitamin "D" to respiratory infections, such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

-In addition to the benefits of vitamin D in strengthening the body's immune system, there are other benefits that are no less important, including, according to what "Medical News Today" reported, promoting healthy bones and teeth, regulating insulin levels, and supporting diabetes management, lung function, and cardiovascular health.

-It plays an important role in regulating calcium and maintaining phosphorous levels in the blood.

 

Vitamin D and corona-virus:

- A recent study indicated that patients with corona who have adequate levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of death and negative symptoms of the virus decrease.

- Studies have shown that patients over the age of 40 with adequate levels of vitamin D are 51.5 percent less likely to experience negative symptoms from the virus, including loss of consciousness, lack of oxygen, and death, compared to patients who are deficient in this vitamin.

- A recent study of 11,321 people from 14 countries showed that taking vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection.

- Low levels of this vitamin are associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis, asthma, and COPD, as well as viral and bacterial respiratory infections.

 

Important sources of Vitamin D:

*Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight between 15 and 20 minutes three days a week is usually sufficient for a person trying to obtain vitamin D.

*A healthy diet can also be a good way to get healthy levels of vitamin D, and according to the National Health Service the following foods are good sources of vitamin D:

- oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel.

- Vitamin D can also be found in red meat, egg yolks, and breakfast cereals.

-And if you prefer to take vitamin D supplements instead of these food options or along with them, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to adjust the necessary amounts.

-Eating fresh milk also boosts the body with vitamin D, as well as orange juice.