Vitamin D Deficiency: Correcting It By Not Neglecting It
Some people with Vitamin D deficiency are not aware that they have the deficiency. This is because the symptoms associated with the deficiency may not be easy for the people experiencing them to determine why they are feeling the way they do. For example, Vitamin D deficiency has been known to produce symptoms such as depression, bowel issues and profuse sweating.
Identifying Vitamin D Deficiency
Your family doctor is the best resource to use if you suspect a Vitamin D deficiency based upon known symptoms. A combination of the symptoms you report and diagnostic lab work may be used to determine whether or not there is a deficiency present. Your doctor may also perform additional tests to determine whether or not you have specific conditions present as a result of a Vitamin D deficiency. For example, testing may be performed to determine whether or not the deficiency has caused your bones to be porous or brittle.
Remedying Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is important to bones healing properly. Recent fractures could prompt your doctor to check for a deficiency, and you may also be required to intake more Vitamin D if you are recovering from a fractured bone.
Some people may not get adequate Vitamin D from their diets, and supplementing may be recommended by their doctors. Sunlight is a vital part of properly absorbing Vitamin D, and therefore, some doctors may suggest that their patients spend a certain amount of time each day exposed to sunlight.
Decreasing Vitamin D Deficiency Risks
- Pregnant women should work closely with their OGYNs to ensure that their diets and prenatal vitamins are supplying them with enough Vitamin D. A doctor should monitor this intake due to varying suggestions about the correct dosage.
- People who work indoors may not get adequate amounts of sunlight, which may result in a Vitamin D deficiency since the human body can make its own Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. People working in factories or office environments could consider spending some of their lunch breaks outside if the weather and company policies permit them to.
- Show more skin. If you cover your skin with too much clothing, it will interfere with the amount of sunlight your body receives. This may interfere with your body making Vitamin D. The use of sunblock can also interfere with the amount of sunlight you get. You could consider alternating days to allow you some days of sunlight exposure.
A compound pharmacy like Jeff's Prescription Shop is a good resource to use for acquiring Vitamin D in the dosage recommended by your doctor. The pharmacy can offer you additional information regarding proper dosing, which is important because although your Vitamin D supplement may be over-the-counter, you need to exercise the same caution you exercise with prescription medications. This will aid in ensuring that you do not take too much Vitamin D. For example, your compound pharmacist may recommend a lower dose of Vitamin D supplement if you are taking a multivitamin that already has Vitamin D in it.
Share