Vitamin D is an essential element for everyone to prevent different deficiencies and diseases. From preventing cancer to improving skin health, there are many Vitamin D daily benefits to count. Adding it to your diet naturally or through supplements will keep you sound and free from ailments. Since most Vitamin D sources are either dairy-based or meaty, vegans opt for Vitamin D supplements as an alternative source. Can there be any adverse effects of taking Vitamin D supplements? The Advantages and Disadvantages of Vitamin D Supplements detail some facts.
Sunlight is the best way to help the body produce enough vitamins whether you are a vegan or non-vegan. You can also rely on the following natural food sources of vitamin D:
If your body lacks Vitamin D for long periods, you are likely to develop:
If you are a vegan with limited options other than sunlight to replenish Vitamin D levels, Supplements can be the answer to the problem. The advantages of Vitamin D supplements can be many. Some of those are listed below.
A regular intake of Vitamins D supplements can help prevent certain cancers, especially breast, prostate, and colon. This vital element is also preventive against Rickets which specifically is caused to deficiency of Vitamin D. A specific form of vitamin D, Calcitriol, is used in people with kidney failure.
According to a study conducted by the team of researchers in University of Milan, it was found that Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weight gain in people. However, taking vitamins d regularly can mitigate the risk of putting on more weight. This evidence suggests that Vitamin D is an efficient of the elements promoting weight loss.
Vitamin D plays a key role in the regulation of Calcium and maintenance of Phosphorus levels in the blood. These two elements are vital for maintaining healthy bones and retaining bony density.
The human body needs vitamin D to allow the intestines to absorb Calcium and reuse the amount of Calcium excreted by the kidneys. Rickets is also one of the major diseases caused due to softening of bones.
According to the review in 2018, it was found that vitamin D had a protective effect against the influenza virus. This evidence somewhat supports the fact that Vitamin D is an effective element to boost immunity system.
Lack of an adequate amount of Vitamin D has links to high blood pressure in children during infancy. That’s why kids born prematurely are prescribed Vitamin D syrups.
Low levels of Vitamin D could also lead to stiffness in the arterial walls of children. Also, Vitamin D may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids which could benefit people with steroid-resistant asthma.
Vitamin could be the key to hopeful mothers during their pregnancy. Evidence suggests that women who are deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy may have a greater risk of birthing prematurely. Thus, for women who are intolerant to dairy products or non-vegetarian food sources, Vitamin D supplements are a rich source to overcome Vitamin D deficiency.
A prescribed intake of Vitamin D supplements is usually safe for everyone. Most people do not commonly experience side effects with vitamin D, unless they overly consume it. Some side effects of vitamin D excessively include weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, appetite loss, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, etc. Following are some common to severe Disadvantages of Vitamin D Supplements.
Even though there are claims that Vitamin D boosts immunity, there is no evidence suggesting that taking vitamin D will help to prevent or treat COVID-19. Although some studies found that low vitamin D levels might be linked with a higher risk for COVID-19, the studies still need evidence. Furthermore, taking Vitamin D supplements in higher amounts doesn’t improve survival or reduce symptoms of COVID-19.
Vitamin D is usually during pregnancy and breastfeeding when consumed as prescribed or mentioned on the packaging. However, higher doses is considered unsafe during these phases. Taking excessive amounts can lead to serious harm to the infant. Higher levels of Vitamin D intake is also associated with an increased risk of food allergy in the child during the first two years of life.
Hardening of arteries is also known as Atherosclerosis, which is caused due to taking Vitamin D in excessive amounts over time. Vitamin D stimulates Calcium level s in the body, while its excessive presence inside the mechanism can increase the risk of raising the Calcium levels. Atherosclerosis is known to worsen the condition in people with ongoing kidney problems and Lymphoma.
People with specific conditions need to consult their healthcare provide prior to taking Vitamin D-based supplements. Vitamin D interacts with antacids, Calcipotriene (Dovonex), Digoxin, and many other medicines that could lead to severe adverse effects when combined.
Lanoxin (Digoxin) is a drug used to strengthen the heartbeat and taking Vitamin D supplements right before or after taking this medicine can cause irregularity in heart beat rate. If you are prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin), don’t forget to consult your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements.
Conclusion:
The human body needs different minerals to stay healthy, and each has a specific role to play. Vitamin D is one of the essential elements that available in abundance in nature. Taking Vitamin D supplements is also beneficial as long you take it under prescription. Overdose of everything causes more harm than good. The rest of what you need is mentioned in Advantages and Disadvantages of Vitamin D Supplements. As said above, you must have a word with your health advisory for approval if you are on any medication.
Vitamin D is required for a variety of functions. The regulation of calcium and phosphorus absorption and immune system function are among the most important. Vitamin D insufficiency can lead to bone and teeth abnormalities and decreased resistance to disease.
The average recommended daily vitamin D intake is currently set at 100 micrograms. However, vitamin D is a 'fat-soluble' vitamin so that the body can store it for months, and you don't require it every day. As a result, you may take a supplement containing 20 micrograms each day or 500 micrograms once.
Excess vitamin D can cause excessively high calcium levels, which might be detrimental. Any of the following indicators of excessive vitamin D/calcium levels are present: nausea or vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, mental or mood changes, unusual tiredness.
Vitamin D is generally regarded as non-toxic in the dosages advised by health authorities. On the other hand, excessive quantities of vitamin D from supplements might be harmful. Those who take more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding are at risk of nausea and vomiting.