Overview
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining healthy bones and immune function. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is critical for bone development and strength. Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating mood, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health.
There are two main forms of vitamin D:
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Found in plant-based foods and fortified products.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight and found in animal-based foods like fish, eggs, and liver.
Key benefits of Vitamin D
- Bone health: Prevents conditions like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
- Immune system support: Helps in the defence against infections.
- Mood regulation: Linked to lower risks of depression and mood disorders.
- Heart health: May support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of diseases like hypertension.
Sources of Vitamin D
- Sunlight exposure (main source).
- Foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified milk, eggs, and mushrooms.
- Supplements, especially in regions with low sunlight exposure.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms, which can affect different systems in the body. Here are the common symptoms:
- Bone and Muscle Pain:
Bone pain (especially in the lower back, hips, and legs).
Muscle weakness and cramps.
This is because vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and muscles.
- Fatigue:
Persistent tiredness or fatigue, even with adequate rest.
Low vitamin D can affect energy levels and overall well-being.
- Frequent Illness or Infections:
A weakened immune system can lead to more frequent colds, flu, or respiratory infections, as vitamin D helps support immune function.
- Depression or Mood Changes:
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to mood disorders, particularly depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Slow Wound Healing:
Cuts, injuries, or surgical wounds may take longer to heal if vitamin D levels are low, as it's involved in tissue repair.
- Hair Loss:
Severe vitamin D deficiency may contribute to hair loss or conditions like alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss.
- Bone Loss or Osteoporosis:
In the long term, vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone thinning (osteoporosis) and increased risk of fractures, particularly in older adults.
- Impaired Growth in Children:
In children, severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a condition that causes soft, weak bones, leading to skeletal deformities and growth delays.
- Cognitive Impairment:
Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels might be linked to cognitive decline, especially in older adults.
- Weight Gain:
Although less common, some people with vitamin D deficiency may experience unexpected weight gain, potentially due to hormonal imbalances caused by the deficiency.
The HSE New Guidelines for Vitamin D Intake and Testing from the Public Health Service
As part of The Laboratory Services Reform Programme, the HSE issued on 08/05/2024 the advice notes on Indications for Measurement of Vitamin D Levels.
It outlines that for most people who express concern regarding their vitamin D levels in the absence of a specific clinical indication for testing the relevant intervention is to adhere to the Department of Health advice regarding supplementation. This does not require testing from the public service.
Accepted indications for measuring vitamin D levels are outlined on the document, which includes Osteoporosis, Pathological Fracture, Muscle Weakness, among others. Health care providers must state the specific indication using the specific term or other terms based on local laboratory advice on each request for testing for vitamin D levels.
However here in empowerDX we believe patients should have the power to decide and actively participate on their health and wellness journey.
Predictive vs Curative Medicine
As part of our mission to empower the patients and final consumers over their health and wellness journey, empowerDX, along with Eurofins Biomnis Ireland, is committed to be on the vanguard of the transition from the Curative to the Predictive Medicine in Ireland. We firmly believe that preventing is always better than cure. We know many diseases and conditions can be easily avoided if you keep up with your health checks and take measures in advance of symptoms, which may be too late to act.
The HSE Indications for Measurement of Vitamin D Levels guidelines apply only to the public healthcare system, it does not include the private sector.
Therefore, you still can take it on your hands to ensure you’re up with your levels way ahead of any damage.
According to the HSE, everyone in Ireland is at risk of Vitamin D deficiency in winter, some all year round due to insufficient exposure to the sun light.
We present to you the 25-hydroxy Vitamin D test, the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. The amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in your blood is a good indication of how much vitamin D your body has. Our test can determine if your vitamin D levels are too high or too low.
So, before running to the nearest pharmacy to replenish your stock of Vitamin D supplements, check your levels to ensure if you need it or not and save time and money.
