Vitamin D: Benefits, Sources, and Symptoms of Deficiency or Excess

The importance of vitamin D for the health of the body

Vitamin D is not only important for bone health, but also plays a key role in supporting the nervous, muscular, and immune systems, and has antioxidant properties.
This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for building bones, and affects many vital functions.

Factors affecting vitamin D production

The production of vitamin D in the body depends on several factors, Some of these include:

• Time of day and sun exposure.
• Season and geographical location.
• Skin color, as its production is lower in people with dark skin.
• Using sunscreen, despite its benefits, reduces vitamin D production.

Studies indicate that 60% of the population of Saudi Arabia suffers from vitamin D deficiency, especially among the elderly who have limited exposure to sunlight.

Sources of vitamin D

1. Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D production in the body, as it is converted into its active form (calciferol) by ultraviolet rays.

2. Foods rich in vitamin D

Vitamin D can be obtained from the following food sources:

• Fortified milk and its derivatives.
• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, herring).
• Liver and egg yolk.

The importance of vitamin D for some groups

Doctors recommend taking vitamin D supplements for people at risk of deficiency, such as:

• Osteoporosis patients.
• Children with rickets.
• People with hereditary bone disorders.
• Patients with multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.
• Cancer patients.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

• Bone pain and muscle weakness.
• Mood changes and depression.
• Constant fatigue and exhaustion.

Symptoms of vitamin D overdose

Taking too much vitamin D may lead to:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite and dehydration.
• Frequent urination and constipation.
• Muscle weakness.

Therefore, it is important to know the recommended daily dose:

• 400 IU for children up to 1 year old.
• 600 IU for adults up to 70 years of age.
• 800 IU for adults over 70 years of age.

Berkeley Health Vitamin D Test at Home

Now you can easily and accurately measure your vitamin D levels from home using the Berkeley Health test, a Swiss-made home test that provides accurate results in just 10 minutes.

Berkeley Health Test Features

• Shows whether your vitamin D level is high or low.
• Easy to use and reliable results.
• Now available in Saudi Arabia at an affordable price.

How to use the Berkeley Health test

1. Wash your hands well and dry them.
2. Prepare the materials and open the test package.
3. Prick your finger with the attached needle to collect a blood sample.
4. Place the sample in the designated place on the test strip.
5. Add the diluted solution and wait 10 minutes to read the result.

Ask your pharmacist about the Berkeley Health test now and rest assured about your health!