Vitamin D or Cholecalciferol is a fat soluble vitamin stored in the body’s fatty tissue. It has always been conceptualized in relation to sunlight exposure. It is even called the “sunshine vitamin” for the reason that an estimated ten to fifteen minutes of exposure to sunlight each day can help the body manufacture this essential vitamin. Intake of adequate amounts of Vitamin D is also equated with its role in relation to absorption of calcium and phosphorous, in which both are vital for maintenance of healthy bones and good development of the muskulo-skeletal system. Without Vitamin D, bones will be brittle, thin and prone to various kinds of trauma.
During pregnancy, the same function of this vitamin also applies especially during the second and third trimester where formation of bones and other significant organs of the fetus do occur. Another thing, adequate amounts of Vitamin D prevents risk of developing pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes and other maternal complications of pregnancy. Pregnant women are usually prescribed with their prenatal vitamins but some obstetricians add calcium and Vitamin D supplementation especially if the mother is at risk.
Food sources of vitamin D include margarine, fish, oysters, dairy products, sardines, mushrooms that has been exposed to ultraviolet lights, liver, egg and fortified cereals. A woman who is pregnant is definitely encouraged to consume foods that are essential in different vitamins and minerals needed by the baby inside her womb. Oral supplements are also available in the market. The US daily recommended allowance for Vitamin D is 200 international units.
A person deficient in Vitamin D can have osteoporosis or rickets. The latter is a condition characterized by inability of the bone tissue to mineralize properly which in effect causes deformity of the bones. On the other hand, too much of this can lead to formation of kidney stones, muscle weakness and vomiting. The intestines may also absorb excess calcium which can circulate in the blood and being deposited into the tissues of the heart and lungs. In effect, there could be possible multi system major affectations or problems.
Some people are not familiar or aware with the functions and benefits of Vitamin D that’s why some practitioners would say that this Vitamin is usually taken for granted. However, the most important thing a person can do is to maintain a balance diet, have vitamin supplementation and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. It is always better to promote wellness rather than waiting to be sick and be cured. In the case of pregnant mothers, they should be given enough health attention as they are carrying another distinct individual with them. It is not only Vitamin D that they need but vitamins from A to Z.
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