It is considered the sunshine vitamin and is said to have all sorts of positive effects on health: strong bones, a good immune system, protection against cancer – all of this is said to provide us with vitamin D. Metabolism expert Karin Amrein explained to us in an interview how good or important vitamin D actually is for our health.
According to the expert, vitamin D is an important basic requirement for our health. People who suffer from a deficiency can help strengthen their immune system by taking additional supplements. Amrein attributes the vitamin D hype to the fact that it was learned a few decades ago that vitamin D not only plays a role in bone and mineral metabolism, but that many other cells also have the ability to process vitamin D. New data shows that it has a protective effect against diabetes if a pre-diabetes condition already exists. A good supply of vitamin D is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, but also for healthy bone growth in children. The vitamin can also help reduce mortality if you have cancer.
Is the shortage a mass phenomenon?
Data from the German Robert Koch Institute shows: “60 percent of the population has a vitamin D deficiency, 30 percent even have a severe deficiency,” says Karin Amrein – which is why taking the vitamin, which is actually a hormone, makes sense for many . There are also groups at risk for vitamin D deficiency, such as older people or shift workers. Especially in winter, the sun’s angle of incidence is very flat, but the sunlight is only strong enough to cover the skin’s vitamin D requirements from April to October between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Be careful about overdosing
In order to avoid an overdose, it is recommended that you have a blood test carried out by your doctor in advance to determine any deficiency. Since vitamin D is stored in fat, poisoning can also occur. This requires very, very high doses. Poisoning can lead to a stay in the intensive care unit, severe kidney damage and dialysis. You should therefore always prefer medicines for vitamin D administration – you can get these on a prescription from your doctor. Only these products are subject to the high standards of the Medicines Act.
Conclusion: Vitamin D is not a miracle cure. You have to have a deficiency for taking it to have an effect.
What do you think?
Even if we follow a healthy lifestyle, if we have a vitamin D deficiency we still need targeted supplementation. Are you taking vitamin D? Have you had a doctor check whether you suffer from a vitamin D deficiency or are you not taking supplements at all? Share your personal experiences with us and the Kleine Zeitung community.