Is Vitamin D Deficiency Genetic?

A study has revealed that Vitamin D, which is synthesized in our body when our skin gets exposed to sunlight can be deficient in our body due to genetic factors. Based on a report of a study conducted by the British and American researchers have concluded that variants of three genes involved in cholesterol synthesis, vitamin D metabolism and vitamin D transport may increase the risk of deficiency. Despite of proper exposure to sunlight and having diet rich in Vitamin D almost half adults in developed countries are found to be Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is formed in the body by a series of chemical reactions when UV rays hits the skin and its deficient levels in the body is associated with many chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, as well as certain cancers and even dementia.

Vitamin D is vital for the body as it helps to build bones and make the muscles strong. A recent study has also revealed that Vitamin D is helpful to cure diseases like cancer and tuberculosis. The findings of a result suggested that Vitamin D concentrations are regulated by a common genetic variants. This explains the fact that why some people are deficient in Vitamin D even if they get sufficient amount of sunlight and they take a good diet.

No wonder that doesn’t mean that you will not have Vitamin D rich nutrition in your diet or you will not let yourself to be tanned in the sunlight. Though the Vitamin D deficiency is directly influenced by DNA but it is has to be taken into account that more than 1 billion people worldwide is happened to be deficient in Vitamin D largely due to lack of exposure of their skin to the sunlight and poor diet.

More About Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is an essential component of our body as it aids in the growth and development of bones and teeth by absorbing calcium and phosphorus int6o the blood.

Food Rich in Vitamin D

The first step to prevent Vitamin D Deficiency by getting adequate sun exposure and eating a diet rich in Vitamin D sources. The food items that are rich source of Vitamin D are milk and dairy products, fortified orange juice, liver, eggs, and oily fish. You can also take Vitamin D supplementation to fulfill your body’s need like Ergocalciferol.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms vary depending on the presence of any complications. The common symptoms are weak and fragile bones leading to diseases like rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, deformities of bones and bone fractures.

How Far It can Harm You?

In severe cases Vitamin D deficiency is found to have a direct link in causing chronic diseases that include hypertension, depression, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. It may be surprising but true that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with rise in the mortality rate.