The Wellness Routine: Why Regular Vitamin D Checks Should Be Part of Your Health Regimen | health news

Regular screening helps identify vitamin D deficiency early, especially in high-risk people, such as older people, people with limited sun exposure, or people with darker skin.
The deficiency often goes undetected until symptoms appear, making regular monitoring crucial for early detection and intervention.

Dr Vishu Bhasin, MBBS, DCP, Director and Consultant Pathologist shares why regular vitamin D checks should be part of your health regime.

Bone health monitoring:
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Regular checks ensure levels are adequate to maintain healthy bones and teeth.
Low levels of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults, increasing the risk of fractures and bone deformities.

Prevention of Chronic Diseases:
Vitamin D is linked to the prevention of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Regular testing helps ensure levels are sufficient to maintain long-term health and reduce the risk of these conditions.
Controlling vitamin D levels can help prevent diseases such as autoimmune disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis) and reduce the risk of serious infections such as influenza.

Immune system support:
Vitamin D plays a vital role in regulating immune function. Regular checks ensure levels are optimal to support the body’s defenses against infection and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
People with low levels of vitamin D may be more prone to infections and inflammatory conditions, so regular monitoring is important to maintain immune health.

Muscle function and fall prevention:
An adequate amount of vitamin D is necessary for muscle strength and function. Regular checkups help prevent deficiency-related muscle weakness, which is particularly important in older adults prone to falls.
Fall prevention programs often include regular vitamin D testing to ensure muscle health and reduce the risk of fractures.

Mood and mental health:
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression and mood disorders. Regular testing helps monitor levels, which can help manage mental health, especially in people prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or those with little exposure to sunlight.
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D can improve mood stability and overall well-being.

Management of Populations at Risk:
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with chronic illnesses (e.g., malabsorption syndromes, liver or kidney disease) require regular vitamin D monitoring to ensure adequate levels for themselves and their babies.
Regular testing is crucial for postmenopausal women, who are at increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures due to decreased bone density.

Supplement dosage adjustment:
Regular checkups allow healthcare providers to adjust vitamin D supplement doses based on individual needs, ensuring there is no deficiency or toxicity.
Excessive supplementation can cause hypercalcemia, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, kidney stones, and soft tissue calcification. Regular monitoring helps maintain balance.

Monitoring malabsorption conditions:
People with conditions that affect nutrient absorption (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or people with bariatric surgery) benefit from regular testing for vitamin D as they are at higher risk for deficiency.
Frequent monitoring helps ensure that treatment plans effectively maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

Early intervention and treatment:
Regular checkups allow for early intervention with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or supplements if vitamin D levels are suboptimal.
Timely correction of vitamin D levels can prevent long-term health problems related to bones, immune function, and the risk of chronic diseases.