The endocrinologist warned about the risk of serious diseases with vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to dangerous diseases. This vitamin plays a key role in the work of almost all body systems, and its deficiency causes a cascade of pathological processes. On May 20, Natalia Tananakina, an endocrinologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), PhD, told Izvestia about this.

The main danger of vitamin D deficiency is associated with a violation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. In children, this is manifested by the development of rickets with characteristic bone deformities, and in adults it leads to osteoporosis, which significantly increases the risk of fractures. However, as Tananakina emphasizes, bone problems are just the tip of the iceberg.

"Numerous studies have confirmed a direct link between low vitamin D levels and the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. This vitamin plays a key role in regulating vascular tone, suppressing chronic inflammatory processes in the walls of the arteries, which significantly increases the risk of strokes and thromboembolic complications," explained the endocrinologist.

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The doctor pays special attention to the effect of vitamin D on the immune system. Its deficiency can trigger autoimmune diseases when the body begins to attack its own cells. This creates the ground for the development of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes and other serious pathologies.

The oncological aspect of the problem also causes concern among specialists. Vitamin D is involved in regulating the cell cycle and suppressing tumor growth, so its chronic deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including breast and prostate tumors.

Mental health also depends on the level of this vitamin. Tananakina notes its role in the synthesis of serotonin, which explains the link between deficiency and the development of depression, anxiety disorders, and in the long run, neurodegenerative diseases.

The reproductive system is particularly sensitive to vitamin D deficiency. In women, this can lead to cycle disruption and pregnancy complications, in men, to a decrease in testosterone levels and a deterioration in sperm quality.

"Numerous studies have confirmed that people with low vitamin D levels are significantly more likely to suffer from respiratory infections, suffer more from influenza and COVID-19, and have a higher risk of complications," the specialist noted.

Earlier, on April 22, Aminat Gappoeva, an endocrinologist at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about the dangers of overabundance and lack of vitamin D. According to her, not only vitamin D deficiency can be dangerous, but also an overabundance of it. It is important that the symptoms of vitamin D overabundance may be non-specific and characteristic of other diseases.