Vitamin D: One in two people has too little

Studies by the Robert Koch Institute have shown that one in two Germans suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency suffers.

Studies by the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin have shown that one in two Germans suffers from a vitamin D deficiency. The only really effective food source for vitamin D is sea fish. Our body can produce the vitamin from the basic substance cholesterol in the skin itself, but needs sufficient UV radiation to do so. The production of the vitamin in the skin decreases with age. This is why people over 50 are particularly prone to vitamin D deficiency. Almost 100% of chronically ill people who rarely leave the house are affected.

Vitamin D fulfils numerous functions: It promotes calcium absorption in the intestine, helps with bone formation, improves the conduction of excitation in nerve cells, activates the immune system and promotes regeneration processes.

It is possible that colds are so common in winter because the body can only produce small amounts of immune-boosting vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight during this time.

To rule out a vitamin D deficiency, Dr. Reinhold Lunow, medical director of the practice clinic Bornheim near Cologne and Bonn, to have the vitamin D level determined in the blood once a year as part of a health check.

Vitamin D protects against numerous Diseases

In order to cover our vitamin D requirements through food alone, we would have to eat sea fish 3-4 times a week. It is therefore assumed that only 25% of the requirement is supplied through food. To ensure an adequate supply, we therefore need to spend time in daylight. If you spend 30 minutes in daylight three times a week and leave your face and hands uncovered, enough vitamin D can be produced through the skin.

The following diseases are promoted by vitamin D deficiency: osteoporosis, Diabetes, heart disease, Cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, muscle weakness, depression and skin diseases.

Vitamin D should only be taken under medical supervision, even if you have a vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D also has a blood pressure lowering effect. It is becoming increasingly clear that vitamin D also has an immune-boosting effect and therefore even protects against cancer: a good vitamin D supply reduces the risk of cancer by around 25%.

You should only take vitamin D supplements under medical supervision. It is advisable to have your calcium levels checked regularly, because in rare cases vitamin D can also lead to an excessive increase in calcium levels.