Long-term vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in adults, Olga Ulankina, a doctor and expert at the "Hemotest" laboratory, told NEWS.ru.
According to him, this problem also increases the probability of falling in the elderly due to decreased coordination.
The main function of vitamin D is related to the absorption of calcium and maintenance of bone strength. If the body is deprived of this element for a long time, bone density gradually decreases. In adults, this increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and in the elderly, the likelihood of falling due to decreased muscle strength and coordination.
The doctor explained that long-term vitamin D deficiency can also lead to problems with the immune system. According to him, there is a direct connection between low levels of this element and increased susceptibility to infections.
“Long-term vitamin D deficiency can also affect a person's immune system. Some studies associate low levels of this element with increased susceptibility to infections and chronic inflammatory processes. In addition, its possible effects on the cardiovascular system and metabolism are discussed. The difficulty is that the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are non-specific. Drowsiness, weakness, and decreased energy can also occur in other diseases, such as anemia, chronic stress, or thyroid dysfunction," concluded Ulankina.
