They say there is a sun-drenched country: vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D3 is one of the most important vitamins, which unfortunately is not produced in the body, and comes only through sunlight. It affects almost every tissue and biological system. Those who experience low levels of it suffer from bone damage to the point of fractures, as well as fatigue, depression, weakness, shortness of breath, insomnia, a tendency to infections and even an increased risk of death from infections. Last week, exclusive findings were published in “Maariv”, according to which there is a severe deficiency in a large part of Israelis in this important vitamin.Vitamin D is a member of the family of fat-soluble vitamins, which also includes vitamins A, E and K. It increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine and transfers them to the bones, therefore it is essential for the building of bones and teeth. The vitamin appears in two forms – one is an inactive form called vitamin D2, and the other is the active form vitamin D3, which is created by exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that our body produces the vitamin only following exposure to UVB radiation, so exposure is required mainly in the summer and transitional seasons. Therefore, in northern countries where exposure to the sun is relatively little, vitamin D deficiency is more common.

The vitamin appears in two forms – one is an inactive form called vitamin D2, and the other is the active form vitamin D3, which is created by exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that our body produces the vitamin only following exposure to UVB radiation, so exposure is required mainly in the summer and transitional seasons. Therefore, in northern countries where exposure to the sun is relatively little, vitamin D deficiency is more common.

The vitamin appears in two forms – one is an inactive form called vitamin D2, and the other is the active form vitamin D3, which is created by exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that our body produces the vitamin only following exposure to UVB radiation, so exposure is required mainly in the summer and transitional seasons. Therefore, in northern countries where exposure to the sun is relatively little, vitamin D deficiency is more common.

According to the disclosure we brought in “Maariv”, about 70% of Israelis suffer from very low levels of vitamin D. The elderly are in significant danger, because they may suffer from bone fractures and worsening calcium loss, weakness, tooth loss and even risk of colon and prostate cancer.

The minimum normal level of the vitamin is 70 ng per milliliter, with some experts recommending to athletes a level of over 100 ng per milliliter, in order to achieve higher results. According to the guidelines, the elderly should receive a daily vitamin supplement. The health insurance funds approve one vitamin D level test, every two years, and according to the recommendations, every person over the age of 65 should receive about 1,000 units a day. Vitamin D is also given to all babies from birth to one year old, due to the deficiency in their bodies and low levels of it in the mother’s milk as well.

Recommendations:
1. If you suffer from an unclear medical problem that lasts for more than two months, ask the doctor to add the vitamin D level to the blood tests. Even if you are healthy, and especially if you spend a lot of time during the day in a closed space, it is recommended to check the vitamin D level at least once every few years. The aforementioned health funds approve such an examination once every two years.
2. Try to expose your hands to direct sunlight for about ten minutes a day, preferably not during peak radiation hours.
3. The elderly and babies up to one year old must receive vitamin D on a daily basis.