Do you know what role vitamin D plays, how we can recognize if we have a deficiency, and what to do in such a case? Eter Gugulashvili, a laboratory doctor at the Institute of Clinical Oncology, talks to us about this topic, interesting and relevant for everyone.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamins are organic chemical molecules that participate in the metabolism of the human body and play an important role in its growth and development. Vitamins are synthesized in small quantities or not at all in the body. Therefore, it is important to consume a proper, balanced, and vitamin-rich diet. One of the most essential vitamins is Vitamin D. It affects all body systems and regulates the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin D, called the sunshine vitamin, is a steroid hormone that regulates the functioning of more than 200 genes.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Two of its forms are most important to humans: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which is obtained from various foods. Vitamin D2 is the plant-based form of vitamin D, while vitamin D3 is obtained from animal-based foods (especially fatty fish or fish oil, egg yolks, mushrooms, beef liver, shrimp, dairy products, oranges), dietary supplements, or is synthesized in the skin by exposure to ultraviolet rays. The rate of vitamin D production depends mainly on the duration and intensity of exposure to the sun rays. The use of sunscreen, even with SPF15, reduces the production of this vitamin by 99.9%. To produce the required amount of vitamin, it is enough to expose the skin (limbs, back, face) to direct sunlight for 15 minutes, three times a week, without any sunscreen or clothing. The vitamin won’t be produced if we expose ourselves to sunlight behind closed windows or in cloudy weather. Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 have no significant biological activity, so they must be metabolized to their hormonally active forms in two steps, first in the liver and then in the kidneys. 25-OH vitamin D serves as the main circulating reservoir and the best indicator of its status.

What does vitamin D affect?

• Immune system
• Absorption of Ca, Mg, Zn, P, Fe
• Proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system
• Normal functioning of the nervous system
• Prevention of uncontrolled proliferation of tumor cells
• Reproductive function რეპროდუქციულ ფუნქციაზე
• Development of the fetus and newborn (prevention of rickets)
• Good functioning of blood vessels
• Prevention of muscle diseases
• Weight disorders
• Stability of the respiratory system
• High quality of mood (prevention of depression)

How do we know if we have a vitamin D deficiency?

• Increased skin dryness
• Increased hair loss
• Brittle nails
• Sweating
• Muscle, bone, and back pain
• Anxiety and depression

How do we know if we have excess vitamin D?

Cases of excessive Vitamin D are not frequent. It is rarely caused by excessive exposure to sunlight and more often by taking large doses of vitamin D supplements, e.g., over 50,000 IU. The overdose causes hypercalcemia. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, easy fatigue, increased thirst, weakness, neurosis, etc.

When should we take a test?

If the above symptoms are present, it is necessary to perform a test. Also, risk groups should be considered, such as:

• Infants
• 65> age
• Less sunny environment (northern countries)
• Overweight
• Chronic kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases

Dark skin color

Interpretation of results

25-OH vitamin D is determined in serum. The test can be performed at any time during the day and is not related to food or medication intake.

The results are interpreted as follows:

Acute deficiency - <20 ng/ml

Deficiency - 20-30 ng/ml

Normal - 30-100 ng/ml

Excess - >100 ng/ml

Wish you good health!