Vitamin D has numerous important functions in the body. The most vital function is regulating the absorption of calcium from the diet, that’s why it is necessary for healthy bones. When there is a deficiency of vitamin D in your body, you are at risk of some bone abnormalities.
One example are rickets, a disease where the bone tissues do not mineralize in the proper manner, thus creating skeletal deformities and soft bones.
In addition to this, the Everyday Health in the prevention of numerous health conditions.
One of the leading signs of vitamin D deficiency is the muscle weakness and bone pain. Sometimes the symptoms are not intense, but that does not mean they are not risky for the health.
These are some of the diseases that are closely connected with a chronic deficiency in vitamin D:
1. Influenza
The risk of influenza is the highest during the winter season because the exposure to sun and ultraviolet B rays is low. For this reason, the amount of vitamin D in the body is reduced. The studies point out that vitamin D strengthens and boosts the immune system and prevents colds and flu.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
According to a Canadian study there is a close relation between the lack of vitamin D and the rheumatoid arthritis. So, people with the lowest blood levels are 5 times more prone to this disease than other people. In case you suffer from rheumatoid disease, check your levels of vitamin D.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease
Studies across Europe, India and the USA have found a connection between the levels of vitamin D and the rates if Crohn’s disease, other forms of inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
It also points out that there are higher rates of inflammatory bowel disease where there is a limited exposure to the sun.
4. Asthma
According to the recent studies, the vitamin D deficiency is a major reason for asthma. In children, vitamin D can lower the prevalence and severity of the symptoms and reduce the inflammation that can further cause restricted airways and breathing difficulties.
5. Cancer
Gastric, cervical, renal, ovarian, prostate, breast, esophageal, colorectal, pancreatic, gastric types of cancer are more prominent if there is a vitamin D deficiency.
Contrary, high levels of this vitamin will make people less prone to cancer.
