Vitamin D has recently been a topic of interest. A quarter of all infants are deficient in vitamin D and childhood rickets is on the rise. Vitamin D plays an important role in the body including regulating the balance of nutrients needed for stronger healthier bones.
Without adequate vitamin D bones can become thin and brittle and become deformed. In more extreme cases this can lead to rickets in children. In adults it can lead to softening of the bones and may cause pain and muscle weakness. Research has shown that vitamin D has been associated with important roles in the body such as neuromuscular and immune function, regulating cell growth and reducing inflammation. It has also been noted that there has been evidence to suggest links with preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis although definitive conclusions to this research has to concluded.
A study performed in 678 children performed at the university of Southampton showed that the vitamin D levels in the womb were linked to grip strength at the age of 4.
The majority of vitamin D is made by the skin when exposed to sunlight and via supplements bought during pregnancy. Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods but it isn't enough to obtain vitamin D from diet alone. Good sources of vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon and sardines and eggs.
Samples of blood where taken from a number of pregnant subjects at 34 weeks. Vitamin D levels were compared with how tightly their child could squeeze a device in their hand.
Results showed that women with higher levels of vitamin D in the later stages of pregnancy were more likely to have children with greater muscle strength.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has said that the work conducted is helped to design interventions aimed at optomising body composition in childhood and more later in adulthood therefore improving the health of future generations.
People at risk of not getting enough Vitamin D include:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- People over the age of 65
- Children under the age of 5
- People not exposed to much sun - for example people that are housebound
- People with darker skin, as their bodies are less able to produce as much vitamin D
At PharmacyKwik we realise the importance of vitamin D and have selected the best products for you.