Vitamin D - Benefits, Side Effects and Deficiency

Vitamin D - Benefits, Side Effects and Deficiency
by Maria Treadaway

reducing back pain and arthritis problems and can also guard against gum and teeth
disease. It has also been shown to prevent certain types of skin cancer.

What are the Side Effects and How Much Should I Take?

There can be an overdose of vitamin D only from supplementation because of
Vitamin D's ability to be synthesized in the body, with the help of UV rays from the
sun. Incidentally, over exposure to the sun can never create an overdose. An
overdose of the vitamin may cause hypercalcaemia. A dose of 50,000 IUs of
supplementation is considered an overdose. The recommended daily allowance
(RDA) is 400 IUs. The RDA is in fact the average daily dietary intake level that is
sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy persons in
each life-stage and gender group. However, unlike many other nutrients, there is not
enough evidence to establish a Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin D. In
place of this, an Adequate Intake (AI) - a level of intake sufficient to maintain healthy
blood levels of an active form of vitamin D - has been established. The 1998 AIs for
vitamin D for adults are the same in males and females, but increase with age. If you
want to get your intake from food sources then very little of vitamin D is got from
dietary sources. Most intake comes from fortified foods. It is a vitamin that is usually
taken for granted as it gets produced in the body. UV rays from the sun promote the
synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.

What Happens If I am Deficient in Vitamin D?

affects the absorption of calcium in the intestines. It causes
rickets in children, which results in deformities of the bone. In adults it causes
osteomalacia, which weakens the muscles and bones. Should you suspect that you
are deficient in vitamin D, then the best course of action is to talk to your doctor or
health professional who can advise you on supplementation.

About The Author

Maria Treadaway

Discover the secrets of optimum nutrition and give your body the nutrients it needs
at .

We all need vitamins and minerals to
keep us healthy and strong. These
are essential to our overall well being
and the state of our mind and
body.This article provides information
on vitamin D, its benefits to human
nutrition, common side effects and
the consequences of deficiency.

How Can This Vitamin Help Me?

Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin,
assists in absorbing calcium from the
food in to the bone, thereby
maintaining strong and healthy
bones. It has been reported as

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.