2023-09-17 06:42:29
We were treated to a big dose of sunshine during this summer, but we will soon run out of it as fall enters.
Martin Ducret, doctor and journalist at Doctor’s Daily, talks to us today about vitamin D. We were treated to a big dose of sunshine during this summer, but we will soon run out of it as we enter autumn, due to the risk of deficiency of this vitamin, which needs sunlight to be synthesized.
franceinfo: First of all, what is vitamin D used for?
Martin Ducret : This vitamin is essential for bone health, for good growth and bone strength. Vitamin D also plays a role in the immune system, muscle tone and the cardiovascular system. 80% of vitamin D is produced thanks to the sun’s radiation on our skin, during the hot months, from April to October, precisely thanks to UVB, this category of ultraviolet. The remaining 20% comes from food, it can be found in the famous cod liver oil, in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, or even egg yolk and butter.
Almost half of the French population lacks vitamin D?
And yes, it is difficult for a whole part of the population to expose themselves during the hot months, 20 minutes a day to the sun, the time necessary to have a good stock of vitamin D! “Moreover, certain people are particularly at risk of developing a deficiency, which is why they must be supplemented with vitamin D throughout the year. explains Jean-Claude Souberbielle, who is a biologist and specialist in vitamin D.
“This is the case for people who do not expose themselves to the sun, those who are overweight, those with dark skin, people over 65 or even those suffering from chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension. In addition to these people, it is recommended to systematically supplement children with vitamin D throughout growth, pregnant women and postmenopausal women.
And what are the consequences of a vitamin D deficiency?
In the event of a profound deficiency, bone mineralization is impaired and the bone becomes deformed; this is called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
In the event of a moderate deficiency, the most common case, numerous studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation makes it possible, at a minimum, to reduce the risk of pulmonary infection, mortality from cancer or even the risk of fracture linked to osteoporosis. On the other hand, taking vitamin D when supplies are full has not shown any beneficial effects for health.
Should we systematically do a blood test to detect vitamin D deficiency?
No, it is not obligatory, moreover, the test has no longer been reimbursed by social security since 2013, except for very specific cases. It is therefore up to your doctor to assess whether you are at risk of deficiency, and depending on your profile, he will be able to prescribe vitamin D to you.
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