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Inadequate vitamin D intake in Germany
Studies have shown that the supply of vitamin D in Germany is deficient. Not only adults, but a lot of kids and teens have degraded values. In case of vitamin D deficiency, the taking of supplements – after medical examination – is advised in many cases. But some people take such preparations without having been examined before. It does not make sense, warn the experts.
No protection against chronic diseases
Some people take supplements because they think they are acting for health and preventing disease. The Stiftung Warentest stresses on its website that it does not really make sense.
Because scientists have evaluated hundreds of studies in recent years on whether vitamin D protects against other chronic diseases and found no convincing effect.
For example, in an earlier statement by the German Society of Endocrinology, it was said that vitamin D probably could not reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes .
Sunlight in the cold months is not enough
Vitamin D is also called "solar vitamin" because the human body makes about 80 to 90% under the influence of sunlight. The high-energy UVB rays that also tan the skin are decisive.
However, not everyone makes the same amount of vitamin D – it depends on the age, the thickness of the skin and the type of skin.
According to the Stiftung Warentest, the general rule is that the sun in Germany from October to March is not enough to allow people to produce enough vitamin D. But it's not as if the skin was producing no vitamin D in autumn and winter.
"The body also produces vitamin D, if you stay awhile in the winter with your face and your gloves, about 20 to 30 minutes," said the spokesman of the German Society of Endocrinology, Professor Helmut Schatz.
But especially during the hot months, it is necessary to recharge enough sun. Because under the spring and summer sun, storage of vitamin D can be easily filled, as the body stores fat-soluble vitamin D in fat and muscle tissue as well as in the liver.
This stock is usually enough to come without deficiencies during the dark season.
About the diet can only cover a small part of the need
As the Stiftung Warentest writes, only a small part of the vitamin D needs can be satisfied with food, for example 10 to 20%. As a result, only a few foods contain a significant amount of vitamin D.
Most of them are by far fatty fish like salmon and herring. To a much lesser extent, liver, egg yolk and some mushrooms such as chanterelles and mushrooms provide vitamin D.
Those who have low vitamin D levels due to lack of sunshine during the winter may, according to health experts, use dietary supplements.
However, pills containing vitamin D are not recommended for everyone, the Apothekerkammer Niedersachsen warned.
Basically, we can not take too much. Because, according to the anti-drug committee of the German medical profession (AkdÄ), this can also lead to an overdose of vitamin D supplements.
Another problem is that many of these products are not recommended, as shown by a study commissioned by "Öko-Test".
Nutritional supplement for risk groups
"Vitamin D supplements do not benefit healthy, active people," writes Stiftung Warentest. "However, they may be useful to certain groups at risk."
This includes, but is not limited to, people over the age of 65, as many people of this age reduce their ability to produce vitamin D. In part, it produces only half of the vitamin D compared to previous years.
Even younger people, who are rarely in the open because of their illness, may use vitamin D supplements after consulting a doctor.
Under these conditions, Stiftung Warentest considers these drugs as appropriate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Vitamin D tablets may also be helpful against some other diseases: For example, diseases of the small intestine can impair the absorption of vitamin D through the intestine.
Chronic liver disease, kidney failure, parathyroid insufficiency, or medications such as antiepileptic drugs can also affect vitamin D production.
Never take vitamin D supplements with suspicion
In addition, the Foundation recommends the health of children in accordance with the scientific organizations of pediatricians:
All babies in Germany, from the first week of life to the second summer of early summer, are therefore prescribed by a doctor depending on the date of birth for a period of one to one and a half years . ,
Vitamin D supplementation should be better badociated with fluoride prophylaxis against tooth decay. Premature infants weighing less than 1500 grams should receive a daily higher dose of 800 to 1000 units of vitamin D in the first months of life.
Fundamentally: "Vitamin D supplements should not be suspected and are only recommended if the care provided by a doctor is inadequate," said Antje Gahl of the German Nutrition Society (DGE).
The doctor then determines the current status of vitamin D, if necessary. However, legally insured persons are only reimbursed for this blood test if there is a reasonable suspicion of impairment, such as osteoporosis.
The doctor and the patient must decide on a case-by-case basis whether the test makes sense. Most patients pay for the cost of the investigation themselves, about 20 to 30 euros, and pay vitamin D supplements only in exceptional cases. (Ad)
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