Vitamin D is a nutrient that has multiple functions in the body. Experts recommend having optimal levels of this vitamin to reduce the risk of developing different health conditions and diseases.
In particular, authors such as Dr. Michael F. Holick, professor at Boston University and a specialist in vitamin D, affirms that the lack of this nutrient in the body increases the risk of developing multiple pathologies.
One of the great characteristics of this vitamin is that it helps the body to better integrate calcium. When there is a deficiency of this vitamin, the risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease related to bone health, increases.
In addition, the body requires a sufficient dose of this vitamin on a daily basis for the correct movement of muscles, for the transmission of nerve messages from the brain or for the correct functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin D and blood pressure
Different scientific studies have also shown that vitamin D can play a leading role in blood pressure levels. It should be taken into account that hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease.
Regarding the relationship between vitamin D and blood pressure, more and more studies are showing that a lack of this nutrient favors hypertension, with the risk that this implies for heart health.
In this sense, it is a vitamin with great benefits for health in general. It is therefore convenient to have optimal levels of this vitamin.
The main source of vitamin D is the exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In this way, the body has the capacity to produce this nutrient through a complex synthesis process. In any case, experts recommend sunbathing in moderation to avoid possible damage from solar radiation.
Some foods such as oily fish, seafood, avocados, mushrooms, milk and dairy products help to increase vitamin D levels in the body, though in lesser amounts.
A third option is vitamin supplements. However, in this type of situation it is recommended to have the supervision of a specialist.
Optimal blood levels
To avoid vitamin D deficiency and the effects of a lack of this nutrient, which can affect blood pressure, the immune system, bones or muscles, it is necessary to follow a lifestyle that allows for ideal levels.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine advise people between the ages of 19 and 70 to take around 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D daily.
Thus, in the case of adults from 71 years of age, it is advisable to increase the dose to 800 IU per day. In addition, vitamin D has gained great importance nowadays, because science and medicine have shown that it has beneficial effects against the Covid-19 virus.
Some vitamin D experts claim that taking large amounts of it during the day provides a large number of health benefits. But in this regard, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recommend that adults consume no more than 4,000 IU per day.
