Contents:
- Medical Video: Vitamin D in teens: Don’t overdo it, bad things might happen
- What influences vitamin D levels in the body?
- 1. Skin color
- 2. Use of sunscreen
- 3. Air pollution
- 4. Weight
- 5. Season and location
- 6. Age
Medical Video: Vitamin D in teens: Don’t overdo it, bad things might happen
Did you know that there are around one billion people around the world who have vitamin D deficiency, and the most frequent occurrence is in the Middle East and Asia? This is a serious problem because the deficiency aka vitamin D deficiency can lead to low immune system, slow skin regeneration process when the wound occurs, disruption of bone growth in children, and reduced energy.
Sun exposure (UVB radiation) is the main source of vitamin D production in the body, although vitamin D can also be obtained through food intake or supplements. But besides that, differences in lifestyle and various other factors also affect the absorption of vitamin D in the body. To avoid vitamin D deficiency, you must be aware and take proactive steps to counteract the factors that affect absorption.
What influences vitamin D levels in the body?
The following are various factors that can affect vitamin D levels in your body:
1. Skin color
Melanin, aka skin dye, "competes" with a substance in the skin to absorb UVB light. This means that the more melanin you have (meaning, if your skin color is darker), the more likely you are to experience vitamin D deficiency. People with dark skin need more time in the sun, or may need to take vitamin D supplements with levels higher.
2. Use of sunscreen
Aka sunscreen sunscreenoften recommended by doctors to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and excessive skin aging. Even though this is true, using the wrong sunscreen can actually increase the risk of cancer because of its strong blocking action against vitamin D.
Sunscreen works by blocking UVB rays, important rays to activate the production of vitamin D. Now, to avoid the adverse effects of sunlight without having to be blocked from its benefits, read here to use sunscreen to keep it safe.
3. Air pollution
Organic particles from wood burning, fossil fuels, and other pollutants are scattered in the open air and can absorb UVB.
4. Weight
Body fat absorbs more vitamin D and functions as a center for storing nutrients. Having a healthy percentage of body fat can help to ensure adequate vitamin D levels throughout the year. However, that does not mean that excess body fat is good, because research also shows that obesity is associated with low vitamin D levels.
5. Season and location
During winter, the amount of UVB rays that can reach the earth's surface decreases due to the low sun angle. This is especially true if you are farther away from the equator.
6. Age
Compared with young people, parents have high levels of UVB-ray converters which are lower vitamin D precursors. That is, parents are producers of vitamin D that are less efficient than young people. This is related to the reduced function of the organs that participate in the processing of vitamin D in the body, especially the liver, kidneys and intestines.
To find out if you need to supplement with vitamin D, you need to consult with your doctor first because the levels needed for each person are different. If you need supplements, your doctor will advise you on the number of supplements that are right for your needs.
