Vitamin deficiencies have been observed in more than one-third of the world’s children. Vitamin deficiencies are mainly caused by poor diets and lack of access to necessities such as food, water, and proper sanitation. Several types of vitamin deficiency include those related to malnutrition, pregnancy and lactation, and vitamin D deficiency.
According to WHO (World Health Organization), about one-third of children under five in developing countries are malnourished due to poor access to adequate nutrition. Vitamin deficiency is a common problem among malnourished children due to poor diets. Malnutrition is a condition in which a lack or low intake of nutrients is likely to cause either temporary or permanent damage. The leading causes of malnutrition include poverty and lack of education, leading to poor diet choices and consumption.
A person diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency will suffer from rickets which can lead to bone deformities(Vitamin D). This condition can be prevented if adequate amounts of vitamin d supplements are taken regularly and a balanced diet. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. It is also necessary to absorb magnesium, zinc, and boron. Vitamin D is made in the skin under the influence of sunlight and is taken from food sources. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, resulting in soft bones in children(AAP). The condition affects about two million children worldwide(WHO). Vitamin D supplements are recommended to prevent rickets.
What is A Vitamin D Shot?
A vitamin D shot is a type of intramuscular injection. The injection site for vitamin d shots is the arm. Both adults and children can take this injection. Even though a vitamin D shot is not an alternative to a supplement, it will still help you get enough vitamin d in your body. The injection is made from an oil-based liquid and contains vitamin d3(D). Vitamin D3 in this oil-based liquid is inactive when it reaches the body and gets activated by ultraviolet light. One vitamin D shot contains about 300,000 units of vitamin D3, which is more than enough to give you the recommended daily allowance of vitamin d3. The injection is made to ensure that the vitamin is absorbed into the body. The intramuscular injections have a maximum dosage of three injections annually.
Why are Vitamin D Shots Important?
Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin that helps you to absorb calcium and phosphorus. If there is insufficient vitamin d, these two minerals will not be absorbed into your body and can cause problems with bones and teeth. Calcium is an ingredient in bones, giving them strength and enabling them to grow correctly. Without enough calcium, bones will become weaker and may even break, leading to problems with your joints or bad posture(NIH).
What are the benefits of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is necessary to help the body absorb calcium. Low vitamin D levels will make it harder for your body to absorb calcium. This can lead to bone and muscle problems which can be very serious(NIH). Many other benefits of vitamin D include:
Management of Depression and Anxiety
Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals who have depression or anxiety. Studies have shown that people who are depressed or anxious have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood than people who do not suffer from these disorders.
Improved Cognitive Health
Vitamin D deficiency is also common in people with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can occur due to various reasons such as poor nutrition, lack of sun exposure, and genetic mutations. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to cognitive disorders because it plays a role in the development and functioning of the brain.
Vitamin D and Aging
The skin produces vitamin D by exposing itself to sunlight. It has been known for many years that low vitamin D levels have increased the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer(NIH). However, researchers are still unsure about the connection between low vitamin D levels during aging and developing certain types of skin cancer later in life. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles, found that people with the most severe vitamin D deficiency had a greater risk of colon cancer. Call us at 205-352-9141.
