Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in adults and children. Basic measures to prevent vitamin deficiency

The role of vitamins for the body cannot be overestimated - they are catalysts, or, more simply put, triggers for most physiological reactions. Without vitamins it is impossible to look good and feel healthy. Without vitamins, human tissue becomes fragile, literally and figuratively, and also highly sensitive to the slightest negative impact. Vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis are serious pathological conditions of the body. The absence or significant deficiency of a certain vitamin in one’s own body can be difficult to notice; sometimes these conditions are disguised as other diseases. But with a normal diet, vitamin deficiency should not occur (see the dangers of synthetic vitamins).

Diagnosis of a- and hypovitaminosis is also difficult, since it is not a cheap pleasure, and it is not always carried out - in most cases, the doctor’s prescriptions are based on the clinical picture.

However, this tactic is incorrect - knowing the exact figures for the deficiency of a particular vitamin, monitoring laboratory parameters after treatment, one can clearly speak about the effectiveness of therapy. You should know the symptoms of vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis in order to recognize these conditions in time in yourself or in your loved ones.

Avitaminosis and hypovitaminosis - what is the difference?

There is also a condition of the body called prehypovitaminosis. In fact, this is the initial stage of hypovitaminosis, but is not clinically manifested. In this case, vitamin deficiency can only be detected in a laboratory.

How to eliminate vitamin D deficiency and prevent its recurrence?

Vitamin D deficiency is a serious condition, but easily overcome. You can compensate for the lack of this substance in the body and protect yourself from the recurrence of vitamin deficiency in the following ways.

1. Balance your daily diet by including dairy products, beef, fish and seafood, chicken eggs and other food sources of vitamin D.
2. Spend more time outdoors and sunbathe . As you know, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, our body produces one of the main forms of vitamin D - cholecalciferol , the deficiency of which is not always possible to compensate with food. At the same time, we must not forget that prolonged exposure to scorching rays is dangerous to health, as it can lead to skin cancer. 15-minute sunbathing is considered truly .

The lack of vitamin D is especially acute during stress, an active lifestyle, and a lack of sunlight during the cold season. In such cases, additional intake of special dietary supplements or vitamin-mineral complexes is recommended. These include the drug Osteo-Vit , which includes drone homogenate - a natural source of all substances necessary to support the body, as well as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This is an effective remedy for the prevention of rickets and osteoporosis, helping to normalize metabolism and increase the protective properties of the body.

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Avitaminosis and hypovitaminosis of vitamin A

Vitamin A, whose second name is retinol, belongs to the group of vitamins that are soluble only in fats and is formed from carotene supplied with food. Vitamin A in medications is prohibited in the first trimester of pregnancy and is not recommended for nephritis and cardiac decompensation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis in children and adults depend on which particular vitamin deficiency is observed in the human body.

Vitamin A deficiency

Symptoms of vitamin A hypovitaminosis:

• dry skin. Peeling may occur;
• in the area of ​​the elbow and knee joints, the formation of deep cracks in the skin is observed (symptom of “mosaic”);
• "goose pimples";
• fragility of nail plates;
• skin color may change. As this hypovitaminosis progresses in children and adults, the skin becomes yellowish-brown in color;
• the conjunctiva of the eyes loses its shine and becomes dry;
• there is clouding and keratinization of the cornea - a characteristic symptom of vitamin A deficiency;
• single, whitish spots that have no tendency to merge may form in the mouth;
• twilight vision becomes weaker.

Vitamin B1 deficiency

Symptoms:

• small cracks form in the corners of the mouth, covered with yellowish crusts on top;
• the tongue may become slightly enlarged due to swelling. Upon visual inspection, it can be noted that longitudinal or transverse grooves of various sizes and depths have appeared on it;
• violation of the general condition of the body;
• decreased skin turgor;
• the conjunctiva changes. It becomes dry and cloudy.

Vitamin B2 deficiency

Symptoms:

• cracks appear in the outer and inner corners of the eyelid;
• the epithelium sloughs off along the line where the lips close;
• deep vertical cracks appear on the lips;
• language changes. It becomes swollen, the fungiform papillae enlarge. A characteristic symptom is that the tip of the tongue becomes scarlet. A visual examination can reveal tooth marks on the side surfaces;
• The mucous membranes and skin suffer - they become dry, turgor decreases.

Vitamin B6 deficiency

Vitamin B6 hypovitaminosis has the following symptoms:

• the skin takes on a shiny appearance;
• with hypovitaminosis B6, specific small scales with a yellowish tint form in the folds behind the ears, folds of the eyelids, and nasolabial folds. This is a characteristic symptom of this type of hypovitaminosis. When it occurs, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible;
• Painful cracks covered with crusts appear in the corners of the mouth. When they are removed, the wound surface bleeds;
• if you ask the patient to open his mouth slightly, then small whitish scars can be identified on the lips;
• the epithelium on the lips may peel off;
• the tongue swells so much that teeth marks are visible on its lateral surfaces;
• furrows, both longitudinal and transverse, are visible on the tongue.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

The main symptoms indicating a lack of vitamins of this type:

• enlargement of the tongue due to edema;
• characteristic imprints of teeth on the lateral surfaces of the tongue;
• painful cracks in the corners of the mouth, which significantly complicate a person’s life, since when talking or smiling they can “tear”, causing bleeding and pain;
• a characteristic symptom is a purple rim around the cornea;
• the plexus of blood vessels at the junction of the cornea and sclera expands and gradually grows;
• twilight vision weakens.

Vitamin C deficiency

Hypovitaminosis C is a rather dangerous condition that can lead to scurvy. With this disease, collagen production is disrupted and connective tissue loses its strength. Against this background, various dangerous complications arise. Therefore, at the first symptoms of a deficiency of this vitamin, you should begin treatment as soon as possible, so as not to treat complications in the future.

Symptoms:

• lips may acquire a blue tint;
• appears ;
• the skin becomes dry and begins to peel off;
• fragility of nail plates;
• clouding of the cornea of ​​the eye;
• decreased visual acuity;
• superficial hemorrhages;
• pathological nodules form on the affected skin;
• mucous membranes become pale;
• gums swell and bleed;
• general weakness;
• dizziness.

Vitamin D deficiency

Hypovitaminosis D is more common in children. If it is not treated promptly, it may develop. Also, vitamin D hypovitaminosis causes a decrease in the body's reactivity. As a result, the patient will more often experience inflammatory and infectious ailments.

Symptoms of vitamin D hypovitaminosis:

• insomnia;
• increased sweating;
• disruption of the central nervous system;
• muscle tone with vitamin D hypovitaminosis is significantly reduced;
• decreased or complete lack of appetite;
• the child becomes restless and nervous;
• hair may fall out;
• With vitamin D deficiency, the stomach sags or protrudes.

Vitamin E deficiency

Vitamin E is an important component in the body, which is responsible for the resistance of cell membranes to oxidation. In case of progression of vitamin E hypovitaminosis, the patient experiences:

• decreased strength of muscle structures;
• reproductive function is significantly reduced.

Hypovitaminosis E most often occurs in middle-aged people.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is a member of the group of fat-soluble vitamins and is formed directly in the skin under the influence of UV radiation, and also enters the body with food.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of late gestosis in pregnant women (preeclampsia), leads to osteoporosis (see symptoms and causes of osteoporosis), reduces muscle strength, and is one of the provoking factors of diabetes mellitus and the development of oncology.

A study conducted by Manchester specialists, using an example of 2,300 men, determined that men with a lack of vitamin D suffered from general chronic pain (which was associated with neurological disorders or rheumatism) 2 times more often than people with normal and high concentrations of vitamin D.

Typically, men with vitamin D deficiency are obese, lead an inactive lifestyle, and suffer from depression and other neurological disorders.

The role of vitamin D in the body, causes of deficiency and excess

The main function of calciferol is to ensure the processing of calcium and phosphorus in the small intestine. Another role is participation in the synthesis of hormones, regulation of cell reproduction, and metabolic processes. Some researchers classify calciferol as a hormone.

Due to its properties, the nutrient affects the following systems:

• the immune system is strengthened due to its presence;
• gastrointestinal tract – normalization of intestinal motility, insulin production by the pancreas;
• antitumor activity – suppresses the growth of cancer cells;
• reproductive – increases libido;
• endocrine – regulation of the functioning of the endocrine glands;
• nervous – strengthening myelin sheaths, improving attention and memory;
• circulatory – regulation of blood clotting;
• skin – improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails;
• cardiovascular – regulates blood pressure.

There are two causes of vitamin D deficiency - insufficiency of independent synthesis and lack of vitamin D due to nutritional disorders.

Lack of vitamin D production in the skin occurs due to the following factors:

• dark shades of the skin - the production process is reduced in residents of southern countries, the body protects itself from excess;
• exposure to chemical reagents - sunscreens, lotions, leads to disruption of synthesis;
• industrial emissions, city dust - make it difficult to expose to the sun;
• living in northern territories with low solar activity causes a deficiency in the formation of vitamin D;
• in older people – with age, the skin’s ability to synthesize calciferol decreases.

Vitamin D deficiency develops with eating disorders:

• vegetarian lifestyle - low intake due to the lack of vitamin D in the diet, contained in meat, fish, eggs, which are not consumed;
• consequences of unbalanced diets, therapeutic fasting;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding - vitamin D deficiency causes increased consumption for two people, while only the mother is able to replenish the level; the baby can only receive it through milk or in utero.

Other causes of vitamin D deficiency include:

• decreased physical activity of a person, excess weight;
• disease of the gallbladder, liver, kidneys;
• inflammatory diseases of the small intestine that disrupt the absorption process;
• drug therapy that reduces stomach acidity.

Excessive levels of calciferol are caused by the following reasons:

• overdose of medications taken;
• simultaneous intake of synthetic substitutes with the consumption of large amounts of fatty fish and seafood;
• consequences of excess ultraviolet radiation.

An overdose can be determined by the symptoms:

• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• convulsive syndrome;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• weight loss;
• neurological disorders;
• arterial hypertension;
• unquenchable thirst.

Excess is just as dangerous as vitamin D deficiency.

The required level of daily intake is 10 mcg; children and pregnant women do not have enough of this amount; increased doses are prescribed.

Vitamin E deficiency

Vitamin E, otherwise called tocopherol, belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins. Enters the body with food.

Causes of calciferol deficiency

A lack of calciferol, that is, vitamin D deficiency, affects a large part of the population, but it is most dangerous for small children and infants. As a result of vitamin deficiency, bones may begin to soften, and, ultimately, rickets will develop. Vitamin deficiency affects the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and reduces the child’s mental abilities.

In adults, the occurrence of vitamin deficiency usually depends on the amount of foods containing D3 consumed and lifestyle. Heredity can also play a big role (this is especially pronounced in children). In some cases, vitamin deficiency is triggered by certain intestinal diseases, which cause improper absorption of the vitamin. Such pathologies are Crohn's disease, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis.

There are risk factors that can provoke vitamin D deficiency:

• excess weight, varying degrees of obesity;
• treatment with antacids;
• lactation period and pregnancy;
• neglect of physical exercise and walks in the sun;
• elderly age.

Vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C, a well-known ascorbic acid, is a representative of water-soluble vitamins that is supplied to humans through plant foods. When people talk about spring vitamin deficiency, the symptoms most often relate to hypovitaminosis C, since in winter a person consumes little fresh vegetables and fruits.

C-vitamin treatment should be used with caution in pregnant women, people with oxalate kidney stones and diabetes mellitus.

Forms of the disease

It is worth noting that this disease has several forms of development. Vitamin deficiency is the absence of one vitamin in the human body. Most often, these are B1, E, A. Hypovitaminosis is a complete lack of the necessary set of vitamins in the human body. The latter form can cause more severe illnesses. If hypovitaminosis forms in a child’s body, this can affect his physical and psychological development. In any case, vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis negatively affect the general health of even an adult.

Hypervitaminosis

At the same time, an excess of vitamins (hypervitaminosis) in the human body can also have a negative effect. Hypervitaminosis can develop if a person regularly consumes much more vitamins than the prescribed daily allowance.

There are two forms of development of hypervitaminosis:

• acute (the clinical picture resembles poisoning);
• chronic (with regular consumption of large amounts of vitamins A, B1, D).

The general clinical picture of hypervitaminosis is as follows:

• weakness and nausea;
• peeling of the skin;
• skin rashes, itching;
• headache;
• fever, unstable temperature;
• disorders in the gastrointestinal tract;
• abdominal cramps, short-term pain.

But at the same time, such symptoms may not always indicate hypervitaminosis. For an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a doctor.

As medical practice shows, the disease is seasonal. The disease manifests itself most acutely in winter and spring.

Spring vitamin deficiency

Spring vitamin deficiency is a deficiency in the body of vitamins such as E, B1, D and A. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency during this period are well expressed:

• drowsiness, irritability;
• apathetic state;
• exacerbation of existing chronic diseases;
• pallor, peeling skin on the hands and face;
• brittle nails, brittle hair, loss.

In addition to such unpleasant symptoms, spring vitamin deficiency can cause the development of serious diseases. First of all, this is a metabolic disorder, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

For women, the following factors may be added to the general list:

• menstrual irregularities;
• severe drying of the skin on the hands;
• rashes, acne formation on the face.

As a rule, skin rashes do not cause any unpleasant physiological sensations. But it looks very unpleasant. Such disorders are due to the fact that vitamin E deficiency has occurred in the body. It is vitamin E that is responsible for the condition of the skin. Vitamin E is popularly called the “vitamin of youth”.

In view of this, vitamin deficiency in the hands appears first. The skin on the hands becomes too dry, cracks form, and severe peeling occurs. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency on the hands may resemble a fungal disease. Therefore, you should first consult a therapist.

Brittle nails and hair are caused by vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D group is responsible for the production and preservation of calcium in the body. Most of all, this vitamin is found in fish, meat, and dairy products. Therefore, to prevent vitamin D deficiency, you should include such foods in your diet. Especially in winter.

Spring vitamin deficiency is treated quite simply - you just need to balance your diet and spend more time in the fresh air. This rhythm of life will protect a person not only from this painful condition, but also from many other diseases.

Winter vitamin deficiency

Winter vitamin deficiency is the most common, since it is during this period that a person eats more roughage and consumes little natural products.

The causes of winter vitamin deficiency may be the following:

• long-term use of medications;
• poor nutrition;
• lack of vitamins (vitaminosis E, B1);
• poor digestion of food;
• consequences of long-term treatment, taking sorbents.

Elderly people and children especially suffer from winter vitamin deficiency. With vitamin E deficiency, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system can develop. With a lack of vitamin B1, sleep and memory are disturbed, and appetite decreases.

It is very important in winter not to just consume vitamins in the form of pills or tablets. You should balance your diet, eat enough plant foods and natural vitamins, and spend more time in the fresh air.

Vitamin deficiency in children

Vitamin deficiency in children can develop not only due to poor nutrition. Provoking factors may include the following:

• weak immunity;
• past infectious or viral illnesses;
• rickets;
• pathologies during pregnancy;
• prematurity.

Vitamin deficiency of vitamin E and B1 is most often observed in children. Vitamin E deficiency at an early age can lead to muscle weakness and disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. In adults, this pathology is not observed, since the supply of vitamin E is in adipose tissue. If a child has symptoms of vitamin deficiency, you should immediately consult a doctor.

A lack of vitamin B1 can lead to delays in overall development. In this case, the following symptoms are observed:

• weakness, even with little activity;
• a sharp decrease in appetite;
• memory impairment;
• rashes and peeling on the skin of the face.

Vitamin K deficiency

Vitamins K are a group of fat-soluble vitamins that come from outside and are synthesized in the intestines. Treatment with vitamin K is not carried out in pregnant women due to its possible toxic effect on the fetus.

Treatment

Preference in the treatment of vitamin deficiency is given to the D3 form. If there is a pronounced vitamin deficiency, then drugs (Aquadetrim, Vigantol, Koledan) are used for 2 months according to one of the schemes:

• once a week 50,000 IU;
• twice a week, 25,000 IU;
• once a day 7000 IU;
• once a month 200,000 IU.

With a 25 (OH) D value of 50 nmol/l, the course is limited to 1 month. Then a repeat analysis and transition to maintenance doses is necessary. Obesity or intestinal diseases may require higher amounts of vitamin D. Treatment with caution and in smaller doses is necessary in the presence of sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and chronic fungal infections.

Some patients may not have enough vitamin D3 due to impaired absorption. They are prescribed active forms - Rocaltrol, Alpha D3. The absolute indications for the use of such forms are chronic renal failure, widespread osteoporosis and patient age over 65 years. It is important that when using them it is impossible to rely on 25 (OH) D indicators, but it is necessary to determine parathyroid hormone to assess the effect of therapy.

If a parathyroid adenoma or significant tissue hyperplasia with high levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone is detected, surgery is prescribed. During this procedure, the affected gland or almost all parathyroid glandular tissue is removed (subtotal resection).

Surgery to remove the parathyroid glands

Vitamin B1 deficiency

Vitamin B1, whose second name is thiamine, belongs to the group of vitamins that are soluble only in water.

Symptoms and complications of vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is a functionally important nutrient due to which phosphorus-calcium metabolism is carried out. Phosphorus and calcium are involved in the formation of osteochondral tissue and skeletal muscles. So, without the required amount of vitamin D in the body, and this is 500 IU, these two elements are not able to exercise control over the biochemical processes on which not only tissue formation depends, but also the condition of blood vessels, the viscosity and composition of the blood, the synthesis of hormones, proteins, enzymes , amino acids.

Due to vitamin D deficiency, an internal imbalance occurs, which in the initial and middle stages is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• feeling of pain in the joints;
• convulsive phenomena in the muscles;
• poor posture – stoop, scoliosis;
• the appearance of general malaise and weakness;
• exposure to injuries - fractures, dislocations;
• blurred vision and decreased appetite;
• slight burning sensation in the mouth;
• brittle nails, hair loss and thinning;
• poor weight gain in children and growth retardation;
• the formation of caries and tooth decay;
• frequent diarrhea and insomnia.

When the disease reaches a critical stage, pathological complications arise in the form of:

• softening and deformation of skeletal bones;
• the appearance of fractures due to minor injuries;
• severe muscle weakness and intense muscle pain;
• development of osteoporosis, arthritis, periodontal disease;
• rickets in children and mental and physical retardation;
• damage to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord and brain;
• diseases of the heart, thyroid and pancreas;
• autoimmune and oncological diseases.

This list highlights only some of the problems that can be caused by pathological calciferol deficiency. But this is enough to understand what consequences vitamin D deficiency can lead to.

Vitamin B6 deficiency

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is part of the group of water-soluble vitamins and comes from animal and plant foods. When treating tuberculosis with anti-tuberculosis drugs (cycloserine, ethionamide, isoniazid, etc.), during therapy with penicillamine, hydralazine, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, glucocorticoids, vitamin B6 must be prescribed, since these drugs accelerate its elimination and lead to hypovitaminosis B6.

Symptoms

At the first stages, vitamin deficiency practically does not manifest itself. But soon the hair and nails begin to deteriorate . Over time, more serious problems begin.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in adults:

• caries;
• insomnia;
• curvature of posture;
• feeling of weakness;
• slow growth in children;
• joint pain;
• sweating;
• convulsions;
• depression.

Bones become brittle and osteoporosis . hypoparateriosis begins , caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone.

In young children, hair may fall out, skin peels, the development of baby teeth slows down, and bone tissue softens ( osteomalacia ), which leads to rickets . The disease is characterized by bone deformation, weight loss and developmental delays. If a child experiences softening of the edges of the fontanel, and at 5-6 months the baby cannot roll over onto his stomach, this may indicate the onset of the development of the disease.

Causes of vitamin deficiency:

• Elderly age. After 50, disturbances in the absorption of vitamin D may occur in the body.
• Lack of sunlight. Of course, there are cases when people are contraindicated to sunbathe due to health problems (oncological diseases, albinism). However, in other cases it is vitally important to get your “portion” of sunlight. You can choose the best option for tanning when the sun is not too aggressive - usually before 10.00 and after 18.00.
• Pregnancy. This natural physiological state requires a supply of certain substances for fetal development. Therefore, a pregnant woman often has problems with metabolism, and, in particular, with calcium-phosphorus metabolism. During pregnancy, vitamin D can be prescribed additionally in the form of capsules, tablets or drops. Keep in mind that the required daily amount of calciferol for pregnant women is 12 mcg.
• Vegetarianism. If a person does not consume liver, eggs and fish for a long time, his body lacks vitamin D.
• Dark skin. Melanin protects the body from UV rays; its high content contributes to insufficient D2 synthesis.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, kidneys and liver. Lead to improper synthesis of vitamin D.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin and mostly comes from animal food.

Prevention of hypervitaminosis D

In order to prevent excess of this substance, prevention of its occurrence should be carried out. To do this, you must take medications prescribed by your doctor that cause excess vitamin D3, in strictly prescribed dosages. An unauthorized increase in dosage can cause serious disruptions in the functioning of internal organs and vital processes in the body.

Prevention comes down to careful monitoring of the dose of drugs used, monitoring the child (receiving vitamin D), and early detection of the first signs of hypervitaminosis. When carrying out the prevention and treatment of rickets with vitamin D2 preparations (especially alcohol), it is necessary to conduct a Sulkovich test once every 2 weeks. In case of a positive reaction (to +++), you should immediately discontinue vitamin D and prescribe vitamin A and examine the child for the presence of hypervitaminosis D. When carrying out the prevention of rickets, you should take into account the presence of vitamin D in the products the child receives (especially for breast milk substitutes) .

Vitamin B9 deficiency

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is part of the group of vitamins that are soluble only in water, comes from plant and animal products, and is also synthesized in the intestines.

Diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D

The diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D is confirmed by clinical and biochemical indicators. Laboratory diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D includes determining the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood and urine, alkaline phosphatase, and the level of bone metabolism. Biochemical markers of hypervitaminosis D are hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, increased calcitonin concentrations and decreased parathyroid hormone; hypercalciuria, hyperphosphaturia, positive Sulkovich test.

X-rays of tubular bones with hypervitaminosis D are characterized by intense calcium deposition in the epiphyses of tubular bones and increased porosity of the diaphyses. A biopsy of muscles, kidneys, liver, stomach, and heart vessels reveals the deposition of calcium salts. Differential diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D is carried out with hyperparathyroidism and idiopathic calcinosis, bone tumors, leukemia.

If you suspect the first symptoms of vitamin D3 hypervitaminosis, you should immediately consult a specialist, since this condition can be fatal even for an adult who has never encountered health problems. It should be remembered that treatment should be prescribed only by a doctor and carried out in accordance with all requirements, and only then can a positive prognosis of the disease be observed.

Vitamin P deficiency

Vitamins of group P or flavonoids belong to the group of water-soluble vitamins and are found in the form of glycoside compounds in plants.

Vitamin deficiency is a serious and pathological condition of the body, which in a short period of time can lead to irreversible destructive changes in tissue, so it is very important to monitor the adequacy of your diet and not get carried away with diets, especially mono-diets. As for the newfangled multivitamin complexes and dietary supplements, their prescription must be justified and supervised by a doctor!

Treatment of vitamin deficiency

If symptoms are detected, you must consult a doctor - a therapist (pediatrician), an immunologist. Only a doctor, after diagnosis, will be able to diagnose and prescribe treatment for vitamin deficiency. In addition to medications, dietary supplements may be recommended, as well as traditional methods of restoring the immune system.

Pharmacy drugs

When treating vitamin deficiency, doctors prescribe multicomponent medications in the form of powders, tablets, capsules, syrups or injections.

Pharmacy drugs are classified depending on the age and needs of the patient:

1. Children under one year of age can be prescribed: Vigantol, Akvadetrim for the prevention of rickets at an early age, multi-component dietary supplements Multi-Tabs Baby, Alphabet for the general strengthening of the child’s body.
2. Children 1-7 years old are offered the following vitamin and mineral complexes: Pikovit 1+, Vitamishki, Supradin Kids, Multi-Tabs. During the active phase of growth, physical and mental development, the body of a preschooler must be strengthened with multicomponent drugs.
3. Vitamins for junior and senior schoolchildren help reduce fatigue, strengthen the body during stress and frequent colds. These vitamins include Alphabet, Shkolnik, Pikovit 7+, Univit Kids, Complivit Active.
4. The period of young and middle age is characterized by high physical and mental activity, frequent disturbances of the psycho-emotional background, and stress. To strengthen the body during this period, pharmaceutical preparations Complivit Antistress, Alphabet Classic, Vitrum, Duovit, Multi-Tabs Intensive are recommended.
5. Specialized vitamin and mineral complexes:
   preparations for pregnant and nursing mothers: Femibion, Alphabet Mom's Health, Elevit, Vitrum Prenatal, Complivit mama;
6. complexes for restoring the body during the cold season: Multi-Tabs Immuno plus, Biomax.

Traditional methods

When treating vitamin deficiency with folk remedies, decoctions of herbs, fruits of plants and shrubs, purees and salads of fruits and vegetables are introduced into the human diet. The most popular are:

1. Sea buckthorn fruits. Pour boiling water over 100 g of frozen sea buckthorn berries, mash into puree, add 1 tbsp. l. honey, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Sea buckthorn tea is rich in vitamins C, P and B2, helps strengthen the immune system, cardiovascular and circulatory systems.
2. Rose hip. 200 ml water and 1 tbsp. l. place rose hips in a container, boil in a water bath for 15-20 minutes, leave for 12 hours. Rosehip tea contains a lot of vitamin C, as well as vitamins B, A, E, P, K. Thanks to this composition, the decoction not only helps in the treatment of vitamin deficiency, but is also used in the treatment of hypertension, the prevention of atherosclerosis, restores kidney function, and is decongestant means.
3. Onions and garlic. When treating vitamin C deficiency in the body, they are consumed raw. Effective against scurvy.
4. Red viburnum. 2 tbsp. l. pour 200 ml of boiling water over viburnum and let it brew for 45-60 minutes. The berry contains vitamins C, K, phosphorus, iodine, pectin, and essential oils. A decoction of red viburnum is useful for vitamin deficiency in the body; it is also used for hypertension, the treatment of bronchitis, sore throats, and is used as an antipyretic.
5. Nettle. Method for preparing juice: pass the young shoots of the plant through a meat grinder and strain through cheesecloth. Mix with carrot or cranberry juice in equal proportions, dilute with 50 ml of water, drink 3 times a day. The plant contains vitamins K, C, A, E, phosphorus, iron, organic acids. It is used to increase immunity, improve metabolism, lower blood sugar levels, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and is used for kidney and gastrointestinal diseases.

Symptoms of vitamin overdose (hypervitaminosis)

An overdose of vitamin preparations is no less dangerous than its deficiency. Moreover, symptoms of excess vitamin (for example, vitamin A) by the patient may be mistaken for symptoms of its deficiency (dry skin, brittle nails, etc.).

When taking “vitamins” uncontrollably, especially in doses much higher than therapeutic ones, instead of improving one’s condition, a person begins to notice various symptoms that differ from those expected. Hypervitaminosis is especially dangerous for weakened and elderly people, children, and pregnant women. Therefore, you cannot start taking vitamin preparations on your own, as many believe - for prevention.

Instead of gorging yourself on brightly colored multivitamin tablets, it is better to enrich your diet with foods rich in vitamins and minerals. The risk of oversaturating the body with vitamins in this case is minimal.

There are two types of hypervitaminosis:

• Acute hypervitaminosis threatens a person’s life, and therefore must be treated in an intensive care unit or hospital. It develops in rare cases with accidental or intentional use/administration of large doses of a vitamin preparation, tens of times higher than the daily recommendations.
• Chronic hypervitaminosis inevitably leads to changes in internal organs and systems and requires not only discontinuation of the drug, but also concomitant treatment to restore the functional state of the body.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in adults

At the initial stage of the disorder, its signs may be unsystematic and appear from time to time. However, already during this period it is possible to identify characteristic symptoms.

When the body lacks vitamin D, symptoms in adults are as follows:

• sweating in the back of the head increases;
• rapid fatigue is observed;
• sleep disturbance occurs;
• appetite worsens, which naturally leads to weight loss;
• the patient constantly feels lethargy, weakness, lack of strength and energy;
• stoop appears;
• often the clinic is supplemented by joint pain.

Along with this, with prolonged vitamin deficiency, dental diseases can periodically occur, the structure of nails and hair deteriorates, and visual acuity noticeably decreases. Moreover, the patient’s character changes - he is subject to sudden changes in mood, for the most part, irritable, constantly in nervous tension and ready to snap. At the same time, the skin on the face and body loses its natural moisture, and may experience excessive dryness and flaking.

Symptoms in women are more than eloquent:

• their skin is pale, dry, lacking tone;
• swelling appears under the eyes;
• bad mood borders on the initial stages of depression;
• a woman loses her beauty due to poor condition of her hair and teeth;
• Pregnant women may experience leg cramps and arthralgia, when the joints of the lower and upper extremities ache and ache.

Despite the fact that all these signs may relate to completely different pathologies, their totality speaks for a vitamin imbalance.

When the body lacks vitamin D, adults experience rapid fatigue.

Sources of vitamin D in the body from outside

Sources of vitamin can be divided into two groups: food, medications.

Food

The substance is included in the following products:

• Fish fat,
• Fish liver,
• Fish fillet (salmon),
• Cattle liver,
• Fish caviar,
• Fatty dairy products,
• Yeast,
• Mushrooms (mushrooms).

Drugs

Vitamin medications are produced based on all five existing forms. All forms have a high level of activity and have no restrictions on intake. Medicines can be either single-component or consist of several components. It is preferable to take multicomponent products.

Calcium preparations are widely represented on the Russian pharmaceutical market. The most popular:

• Calcium D3 Nycomed,
• Calcium D3 Nycomed forte,
• Complivit Calcium D3,
• Alphabet,
• Vitrum calcium.

Blood test for vitamin D levels

Vitamin D, which enters the liver from food, is converted into 25-hydroxycholecalciferol or 25-OH. This substance already enters the blood. In the kidneys it is activated and performs its beneficial effects on the body. This is why vitamin D does not perform its functions fully if the kidneys are diseased.

The blood test does not detect vitamin D, but 25-OH (hydroxide). The analysis is usually performed in specialized endocrinology centers. The level of D 25-OH is determined primarily to identify a deficiency or excess of the vitamin, and also repeatedly to monitor the outcome of treatment and adjust drug doses.

Blood should be donated in the morning on an empty stomach. The last meal should be 8-12 hours before blood sampling. Only drinking clean water is allowed. For analysis, blood is drawn from a vein.

Vitamin levels are considered normal when readings are 30-100 ng/ml or 75-250 nmol/l. Indicators of 0-10 ng/ml (0-25 nmol/l) are critical and require urgent correction with drugs.

The hormonal disease hypoparathyroidism, in which medicinal complexes with vitamin D are taken, can give 25-OH readings up to 1250 ng/ml.

The cost of analysis ranges from 1500-3500 rubles.

Shortage

Lack of calciferol is a significant disturbance in the balance of active substances. At the same time, the processes of absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food substrates change.

These substances are required for the proliferation of normal bone structures, humoral orientation, and the healthy functioning of immune and nerve cells.

The leading role of vitamin D is in the formation of bone tissue. Deficiency of the compound potentiates rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. With a slight lack of compound, the clinical picture is sparse, but over time it becomes more and more vivid.

A lack of vitamin D leads to the onset of pathologies of autoimmune origin, for example fibromyalgia, seborrheic dermatitis. Women with hypovitaminosis give birth to children suffering from bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus. The psyche reacts to a lack of vitamin with lability, irritability, and hot temper. Serious and prolonged deficiency leads to the development of heart pathologies and carcinogenesis.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

• Problems with sleep mode
• Increased irritability
• Excessive sweating
• Delayed teething
• Slow growth of fontanelles,
• Bone demorphing
• Decreased muscle tone
• Osteomalacia.

IMPORTANT ! Lack of connection is fraught with significant complications, including deformation of the bone apparatus and frequent fractures. Severe vitamin deficiency, the persistence of which lasted for several years, can mediate arthritis, serious heart pathologies (up to acute myocardial infarction).

Effect on various body systems

In the absence of vitamin D, calcium, which is an element of the musculoskeletal system, is not absorbed. Hypovitaminosis leads to the fact that calcium is washed out of bone tissue, so they lose strength, and osteoporosis develops. Menopause is a predictor of osteoporosis, during which vitamin synthesis decreases. Being an antirachitic factor, the compound ensures the correct formation of the skeletal system of the embryo.

Regeneration and differentiation of neurons is carried out thanks to this vitamin. The functioning of muscles depends on the status of nerve cells that provide transport of impulses from the cerebral cortex.

Cholecalciferols take part in the creation of immunocompetent cells. Their concentration in plasma influences the body's ability to resist infectious agents.

The compound regulates carbohydrate metabolism in hepatocytes, increases sensitization to insulin, regulating glucose. Thanks to this effect, the likelihood of diabetes mellitus decreases. Vitamin D promotes fat burning and stabilizes body weight. If the patient has thyroid pathologies, he is prescribed ergocalciferol.

The vitamin ensures optimal functioning of the heart and blood clotting. The substance can speed up the time it takes for lead and other heavy metals to be eliminated from the human body. In combination with vitamins A, it prevents acute respiratory infections. The effect has been proven in the treatment of psoriasis, epileptic seizures, tuberculosis, conjunctivitis.