Cases of difficulty absorbing vitamin D
Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Parel Mumbai Hospital (India), said that sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D.
However, if you can't get enough sunlight or can't get enough vitamin D from your diet, supplementation can help.
"But if you have taken supplements but are still deficient in vitamin D, the cause may be due to health problems such as intestines, obesity, kidneys, or liver affecting absorption," Dr. Manjusha Agarwal emphasized.
Sharing the same view, Dr. Nandini Sarwate, Head of Nutrition Department at Utopian Drinks (India), explained that the ability to absorb vitamin D will also depend on the ability to absorb fat in the diet.
Diseases that affect fat absorption, such as liver, cystitis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease all hinder vitamin D absorption.
In addition, supplementing vitamin D on an empty stomach or eating less fat will also reduce absorption efficiency. Because vitamin D needs healthy fats to promote better absorption.
In addition, older adults are also at high risk of vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Nandini Sarwate explains that this is partly due to the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D decreasing with age and the elderly may not be able to absorb enough vitamin D from their diet.
According to doctors, in addition to the above causes, people with dark skin (due to high melanin) also have a poor ability to absorb sunlight, so it is difficult for the body to synthesize enough vitamin D from sunlight.
Tips to deal with and prevent vitamin D deficiency
Taking proactive steps to prevent vitamin D deficiency is very important.
Dr. Nandini Sarwate recommends that exposure to sunlight is one of the most natural and effective ways to produce vitamin D.
A person should be exposed to sunlight for 10 to 30 minutes a day. At the same time, add foods rich in vitamin D to your daily diet. Consuming raw vegetables and carrots before meals will help absorb vitamin D better.
In addition, regular blood tests can help track your vitamin D deficiency. If the deficiency persists, consult a doctor immediately.
