It is a well-known fact that Vitamin D is important for our health. However, due to the ever-increasing demands of the modern corporate world, many people neglect the sufficient intake of this vital nutrient as they are busy fulfilling their personal and professional needs and responsibilities. As a result, calcium-deficient disorders are increasing today.
Before understanding how people can go about maintaining Vitamin D levels in their bodies, it is best to know why it is important in the first place. In this article, we will be checking out the important roles of this nutrient. Further, we will also take a look at the Vitamin D test cost.
Table of Contents
Why is Vitamin D important?
There are several studies published that revolve around the central theme of the importance of Vitamin D. However, it is understandable to wonder what makes it so important for our bodies.
● Maintaining Phosphorus and Calcium levels
By facilitating the process of absorption, the proper balance of Vitamin D in the body helps nutrients such as Phosphorus and Calcium to work up to their best capabilities. One of the major functions of both these nutrients is to maintain the health of bones and teeth.
Hence, in this manner, sufficient levels of Vitamin D in the body lead to healthier bones. This is especially important for certain groups of people, such as pregnant women and older citizens who are at a much higher risk of suffering from bone-related medical conditions.
● Strengthens the immune system
Another important role of Vitamin D is to strengthen the immune system of one’s body. The immune system is primarily responsible for fighting off potential pathogens or abnormalities that may develop over time in the human body.
A strong immune system also helps one recover faster from existing medical conditions. Hence, by making this system strong Vitamin D helps one live a healthier and longer life.
● Protection of physical and mental health
Vitamin D acts as a strong barrier against several diseases. Since it strengthens the immune system and the body, the development of conditions like diabetes and several heart diseases goes down manifolds.
A sufficiency of Vitamin D in the body can also help one’s body to fight off conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders as well. It also protects people from possible strokes and mental conditions like depression. Vitamin D has been proven to uplift low mood and boost happiness too.
Sources of Vitamin D
To maintain proper levels of Vitamin D within the body, it is important to understand its sources. This way, one can ensure that they intake enough of this nutrient for a healthier lifespan. Various ways through which one can intake Vitamin D in their body are:
- Sunlight: our bodies can absorb Vitamin D from the sunlight that shines on us. Hence, it is advised to stay under the sun for a decent amount of time to let one’s skin absorb this nutrient into the bloodstream.
- Food: several food items help our bodies to meet enough Vitamin D required. These include fatty fish, beef liver, salmon, and tuna. Vegetarian options for the same include mushrooms, milk, and cheese.
- Supplements: apart from eating Vitamin D-rich food, doctors advise people deficient in this nutrient to take oral pills to help with maintaining the levels of this nutrient.
Normal intake of Vitamin D
Although intake of nutrients differs greatly based on age groups, gender, and other relevant criteria – one should be aware of the amount of Vitamin D required by their body every day. Maintaining this level can help one avoid deficiency or excess in the body, saving the pain of treatment in the long run.
The normal intake of Vitamin D every day is as follows:
- Age group between 1 to 70 years: 600 IU
- Age group beyond 70 years: 800 IU
What is the Vitamin D test cost?
The Vitamin D test cost can be heavily influenced by several factors. These include the location of the hospital, choice of clinic, and so on. It is strongly advised to go through the pricing structure of such tests before booking one to avoid any issues now of getting tested.
If one wishes to get all the vitamin tests done, the Vitamin D test cost package can fall within the range of about 2400 to 2500 rupees. This kind of package includes a bone profile test as well. Consulting a doctor in such cases is advised since they can tell you exactly what you need to get tested for.
Conclusion
Vitamin D test is a blood test that allows doctors to delve deep into the various causes of any issue that your body might be facing. While its deficiency can lead to problems, it is very easy to treat in most cases. Hopefully, this article will help you understand the various important roles of this nutrient. The average Vitamin D test cost might be subject to changes based on the relevant factors.
