The Most Dangerous Sign Of Vitamin D Deficiency Is Not Lower Back Pain Or Depression; So, What Is It?
Nov 23, 2024
News
T-cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes which help your immune system fight germs and protect you from disease
Not having enough vitamin D in your diet can kill your immunity, leading to various diseases, including the autoimmune ones, according to US-based top health professionals. “The most dangerous thing about not having vitamin D has to do with your immune system because vitamin D helps build your T-cells,” Dr. Eric Berg said on his Instagram channel.
T-cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes which help your immune system fight germs and protect you from disease.
Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of infections and autoimmune disease, which are signs that the immune system is affected. Apart from the T-cells, vitamin D also affects the immune system by influencing the function of B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages.
How does vitamin D deficiency cause autoimmune diseases?
Dr. Berg explained that autoimmune diseases can be caused by a failure of T-cells, which are not able to distinguish unhealthy or infected cells from healthy ones.
A new study conducted in mice shows that vitamin D deficiency led to the development of T cells that elicit an excessive immune response against healthy tissue. T-cells are also involved in facilitating an immune response against microbes and the elimination of cells that might be infected or have cancer.
How is vitamin D linked to autoimmune conditions?
Studies say vitamin D potentially modulates T-cell function in early life and, subsequently, the risk of autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D gets converted into its biologically active form in the body by the enzyme Cyp27b1. According to scientists, genetically engineered mutations in both copies of the genes result in an ability to produce the active form of vitamin D.
Without vitamin D, the size of the thymus gets reduced and a lower number of T cells in the blood indicates a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
Health benefits of vitamin D
Getting enough vitamin D helps the growth and development of bones and teeth. It also provides improved resistance to many diseases. A few other benefits include:
Regulating and improving mood
According to experts, vitamin D plays an important role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression and anxiety.
Supports weight loss
Those with body weights have a greater chance of low vitamin D levels, linking vitamin D and obesity. Those who take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements lose weight as both the nutrients have had an appetite-suppressing effect.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
According to the National Institutes of Health, the Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin D for different age groups includes:
- Infants (0–12 months) - 10 mcg or 400 International Units
- Children and teens - 15 mcg (600 IU)
- Adults ages 18-70 - 15 mcg (600 IU)
- Adults over age 70 - 20 mcg (800 IU)
- Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding - 15 mcg (600 IU)
- Fatigue and extreme tiredness
- Sleeplessness
- Bone pain or achiness
- Depression or constant feelings of sadness
- Hair loss
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite
- High blood pressure levels
- Getting sick more easily
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