Lack of Vitamin D Urinary Urgency
What is Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining normal calcium metabolism. In other words, maintaining calcium levels in the body is vital for normal functioning of the nervous system, bone growth and maintenance of bone density. Vitamin D is needed as it metabolizes (breaks down) calcium and aides in absorption to be used within the body.
Vitamin D is also involved in regulating the immune system and cells. Adequate levels of Vitamin D have been linked in prevention of certain diseases and conditions. such as:
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Osteoporosis
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Disorders of the Parathyroid Gland such as: Hyperparathyroidism
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High Blood Pressure
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SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Obesity
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Heart Disease
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Cancers such as: Colon cancer, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Pancreas Cancer and Skin Cancers
Vitamin D Sources
The sun offers a great source of Vitamin D. Direct contact with natural sunlight helps to produce Vitamin D3 in the body. The same effect cannot be obtained with the use of artificial light, so if you are lacking sunlight, such as in the Winter months, look into a Sun Lamp. Lack of sunlight has also been associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Certain foods are Vitamin D rich and should be apart of your daily diet.
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Fatty Fish, such as: Tuna, Mackeral, Catfish, Salmon and Sardines
- Fresh Mushrooms
- Beef Liver
- Cereals
- Cod Liver Oil
Vitamins offer a good supplement of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is included in most multivitamins. According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the adequate intake of Vitamin D is:
- 200 IU daily for all individuals under the age of 50 years-old
- 50-70 years-old, 400 IU
- Over 70 years-old, 600 IU is suggested
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
In vitamin D deficiency, calcium absorption cannot be increased enough to satisfy the body’s calcium needs .
Muscle weakness and bone pain are the typical and highly overlooked symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency. Although the symptoms themselves may be subtle, the health risks associated with a deficiency are not.
- Rickets, which is a child disease causes fractures and deformity of bones from a lack of Vitamin D
- Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive impairment in older adults
- Asthma in children
- Cancer
Do You Have a Deficiency?
Toxicity of Vitamin D
Although it is difficult to overdose on natural sources of Vitamin D (sun and food) - it is possible to take too many supplements. That's why it is important to talk with your Doctor for proper dosing and monitoring. However, there are certain side effects that can be noticed and should be made aware of.
Side effects may include:
- Excessive thirst
- Metal taste in mouth
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Sore eyes
- Itchy skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Urinary urgency
You cannot get too much vitamin D from sunlight, and it would be very hard to get too much from food. Generally, too much vitamin D is a result of taking supplements in too high a dose.
Always talk with a Physician before adding supplements other than a multi-vitamin to your diet.
