When is vitamin d deficiency dangerous

In particular, research suggests that low vitamin D levels are linked to alopecia areata and may be a risk factor for developing the disease 33 , Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe hair loss from the head and other parts of the body. One study among people with alopecia areata showed that lower vitamin D blood levels tended to be associated with more severe hair loss In another study, applying a synthetic form of the vitamin topically for 12 weeks was found to significantly increase hair regrowth in 48 people with alopecia areata Many other foods and nutrients may affect the health of your hair.

If you experience hair loss, you may be interested in the 14 best foods for hair growth. Hair loss may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency in female pattern hair loss or the autoimmune condition alopecia areata. A few studies have found that taking high-dose vitamin D supplements may reduce various types of pain in people who are deficient 42 , It may have to do with the interaction between the vitamin and pain-sensing nerve cells.

Obesity is one risk factor for vitamin D deficiency One longitudinal study including men and women found a possible link between low vitamin D status and both abdominal fat and increased weight. However, this study found that such effects were more prominent in men Another review confirms that while vitamin D deficiency may be seen in cases of obesity, further studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D could help prevent weight gain According to one review, levels of calcidiol, a form of vitamin D, was found to be lower in people with anxiety, as well as those with depression A separate study in pregnant women found that vitamin D levels could help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and possibly help prevent postpartum depression Treatment for vitamin D deficiency primarily consists of supplementation.

If your doctor determines that you are indeed lacking this nutrient, they may recommend the following options. A vitamin D deficiency may be treated with vitamin D supplementation. You may find these easily over the counter, but you should ask your doctor for specific recommendations to ensure the right dosage.

These come in much stronger doses of up to 50, IU Another potential option your doctor may consider is vitamin D injections Aside from vitamin D supplementation, your doctor may recommend adding more vitamin-D-rich foods to your daily diet.

Options may include 52 :. Since sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D, your doctor may recommend going outside more often. People who live near the equator and get frequent sun exposure are less likely to be deficient, as their skin produces enough vitamin D.

As a rule of thumb, you may consider asking your doctor to check for vitamin D deficiency if you notice any possible symptoms and have any risk factors. They can check your vitamin D levels with a blood test.

You can either increase your sun exposure or add more vitamin-D-rich foods to your diet, such as fatty fish or fortified dairy products. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend taking a vitamin D supplement. You can find a variety of vitamin D supplements on Amazon.

Vitamin D is very important for your health, but it is possible to get too much of it. This article explores 6 side effects of taking too much vitamin….

Vitamin D is essential for health, but it can be hard to get enough of it from your diet. Here are 7 healthy foods that are high in vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that may also have benefits for weight loss. A study published in May in the journal Clinical Cancer Research found a link between low blood levels of vitamin D and aggressive prostate cancer in European American and African American men. Researchers looked at vitamin D levels in men ages 40 to 79 who were undergoing prostate biopsies. The connection between vitamin D and prostate cancer seemed especially strong in African American men, with results suggesting that African American men with low vitamin D levels were more likely to test positive for the cancer than the other men with normal vitamin D levels.

Prostate cancer occurs mostly in older men, with the average age of diagnosis being about 66, according to the American Cancer Society. A small study of subjects published in August in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with severe erectile dysfunction ED had significantly lower vitamin D levels than men with mild ED.

For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggested that lack of vitamin D was indeed linked with arterial stiffness in healthy people. One of the requirements for achieving an erection is proper function of the arteries, which are responsible for supplying the penis with blood so it can become engorged.

ED is the most common sexual problem among men, affecting up to 30 million American men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. ED can stem from other health conditions like diabetes, prostate cancer, and high blood pressure. Common ED treatments include hormone replacement therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking , limiting alcohol, and eating a balanced diet. Numerous studies have shown an association between low vitamin D blood levels and heart disease and related complications, according to a review published in January in Circulation Research , but science has not clearly established whether supplementation can reduce these risks.

The review cites research that points to vitamin D levels as a potential culprit for health problems related to heart disease, including atherosclerosis , high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

You can reduce your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a diet rich in lean meat, nuts, and fruits and veggies , according to the American Heart Association.

Another preliminary study published in July in Breast Cancer Research found that breast cancer cells exposed to high concentrations of vitamin D were associated with reduced severity.

Studies in humans are needed. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Healthy Living. Reviewed: June 15, Medically Reviewed. Don't overdo it, though. Very high levels of vitamin D have not been shown to provide greater benefits. In fact, too much vitamin D has been linked to other health problems. If you're concerned about whether you're getting enough vitamin D, talk to your doctor about your diet and whether a vitamin supplement might benefit you.

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