Worldwide, over 1 billion people are deficient in vitamin D. In Poland, as many as 90% of us suffer from a deficiency of this compound in the autumn and winter seasons.
Symptoms of a significant vitamin D deficiency are rickets and osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency may also contribute to an increased risk of numerous disorders, including autoimmune diseases, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes and some cancers. Scientific studies have shown that even a balanced and varied diet is not able to provide us with the total daily dose of vitamin D, because its main source for the body is skin synthesis.
By exposing the skin to UVB radiation from the sun, we are able to produce our own vitamin D. However, spending a lot of time indoors, wearing clothes and using sunscreen, as well as the low intensity of solar radiation during winter months, translates into numerous vitamin D deficiencies. Therefore, appropriate and well-chosen supplementation may become crucial in ensuring the correct level of vitamin D.
At the beginning of the year, the journal Nutrients published a consensus on the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults in Poland. The recommendations were prepared by a team of scientists representing Polish and international medical societies and national specialist consultants. The current guidelines were developed with the involvement of Prof. Carsten Carlberg, ERA Chair holder in the WELCOME2 project and leader of the nutrigenomics research group.
“Prophylaxis of vitamin D deficiency should be re-introduced for medical societies, medical professionals, and healthcare policymakers” – the experts say. They also strongly postulate including practical guidelines on the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency into every day practice.
