Vitamin D is necessary for the functioning of the entire body. However, experts note a growing shortage of this substance among the population. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that 88% of the planet’s population has levels below the recommended level of the hormone, which should be above 20 ng/mL in healthy individuals under 65 years of age and between 30 at 60ng/mL. In people older than this age or with comorbidities that may compromise its absorption. This is the case with obesity, liver failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and those who have undergone bariatric surgery.
In Brazil, the scenario is no different. A survey carried out by the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) revealed that nearly 875,000 people over 50 years of age suffer from vitamin D deficiency in the country. In addition, 7.5 million people in this age group have vitamin concentrations below those considered healthy.
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The data is alarming, since the substance provides many health benefits. The most famous of them is the strengthening of the bones and the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis. Scientific evidence has also shown that it improves immunity and helps fight metabolic, neurological and psychiatric diseases.
“Vitamin D is a fundamental part of the proper functioning of our body as a whole, since in addition to working on the regulation of the immune system, which is our defense system, it is part of the entire treatment and prevention process, including the autoimmune diseases. such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis”, says nutritionist Adriana Stavro.
