Hypovitaminosis D in adolescents, says an expert

Photo: Press release

Many studies show that a large part of the population suffers from vitamin D deficiency, which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Those most at risk are elderly people with a history of falls and fractures, obese people, pregnant women, and patients with kidney or liver failure. However, a recent Brazilian study has shown a high incidence of hypovitaminosis D in adolescents.

Vitamin D is a pre-hormone produced by the action of ultraviolet B on the skin. The two main forms are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Adequate values ​​are greater than 20 ng / ml in the healthy population under 65 and greater than 30 ng / ml in the most-at-risk population, as recommended by the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism , taking into account international and national scientific evidence.

Foods such as wild salmon and tuna, sardines or canned mackerel, cod liver oil and fresh or sun-dried mushrooms are rich in this vitamin. You can still find in other foods like egg yolk or other fortified vitamin D, but the amount is small.

However, according to the endocrinologist, Rafaela Norbim will only be able to eat enough to maintain a sufficient level of vitamin D in the blood. "Exposing to the sun in moderation, about 15 minutes a day for light-skinned people and 45 minutes for black-skinned people helps to maintain reasonable levels." Babies and the elderly need to see the sun. At least 20 minutes to produce the amount of vitamin D needed. "

The doctor also says that this exposure should be daily and, ideally, early in the morning, before 10 am or at the end of the day after 4 pm, in order to avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, such as cancer or photoaging. . However, UVB radiation predominates for 10 hours to 16 hours, so vitamin D production may be low.

Vitamin D deficiency can be silent, that is, it does not cause symptoms. But people with very low levels may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, recurrent falls and even chronic pain. In addition to bone problems, it appears that the lack of vitamin D can contribute to the development of several other diseases: obesity, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

"In addition to sun and food, vitamin D supplementation can be a good alternative, leading to a normalization of vitamin D levels about 3 months after continuous daily or weekly use.The appropriate supplementation dose depends on your age, the degree of deficiency and the risk factors present, "added the pharmaceutical group Raigna Vasconcelos.