Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Dentistry academic staff member Dr. Yeşim Hamurtekin released a statement about vitamin D. Dr. Hamurtekin’s statement reads as follows:
“Enough is as Good as a Feast. So, How Beneficial is This Vitamin D?”
We are experiencing a process where research has been carried out by all countries of the world due to "Covid 19", which caused us to name 2020 ‘a black year’, and our prayers are one to find the vaccine or the most effective treatment as soon as possible. Everyone is concerned about protecting themselves and their loved ones. Okay, everyone will be exposed to this virus, we all know that, but the later we get it, the better. At least, the vaccine will have been found by then. So what should we do until then? How can we protect ourselves? The method is simple, pay attention to social distancing, never go out without a mask, take care of hygiene, eat a balanced diet and, of course, never neglect to take vitamins, especially vitamins C and D.
So far, this has been a good and a very logical approach. So, should this vitamin intake be so easy? As an expert, I have to state that vitamins have very important roles in our metabolism and should be taken with certainty. However, as we take water-soluble vitamin groups such as Vitamin C and B, they can be excreted in the urine, so we can feel a little more comfortable by taking this group of vitamins. However, vitamins A, D, E, K are types of vitamins that dissolve in fat and are stored in adipose tissue. Therefore, if taken in excess, they will lead to harmful effects rather than benefits. What did our ancestors say? "Enough is as Good as a Feast".
So what kind of solution should be offered? As residents of Cyprus, it is quite strange to see vitamin D deficiency in a place where the sunlight is almost available every day and winter is only two months. For those of you who do not know, vitamin D is a molecule synthesized in our skin with UVB (ultraviolet B) coming from sunlight and cholesterol in our metabolism. 80% of the vitamin D in our body is produced in our body by sunlight. We get the remaining 20% through our diet. In fact, according to research, when the sun's rays are steepest in summer (rich in UVB), a 6-month vitamin D storage can be provided with 10 minutes of sunbathing without sunscreen. However, one should be reminded that "Enough is as Good as a Feast". Again, research shows that excessive exposure to sunlight causes the development of one of the most risky skin cancers, which we call melanoma. Therefore, neither should we avoid the sun, nor should we lie under the sun and wait for hours.
Common Misconceptions about Vitamin D
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Even if we go out in the sun, we should take vitamin D supplements.
Wrong. Vitamin D is already synthesized in the body in sunlight. Supplements can lead to vitamin D excess. In addition, only the doctor should recommend that we take vitamin D as an external supplement. -
My neighbor is taking vitamin D supplements. She feels very good. Should I buy it too?
No, you shouldn't. First of all, you should go to the doctor and give a blood sample and have the vitamin D levels checked. If your doctor deems necessary, he or she will prescribe you anyway. -
Should I sunbathe during summer?
No, you should not sunbathe! The UVB needed by our skin to produce vitamin D is only 5-10 minutes for light-skinned people, and 15-20 minutes for dark-skinned ones. As the skin color gets darker, this period can be increased a little more, but should not exceed 30 minutes. -
If I pull the curtain and sit in my living room at home, will vitamin D be produced?
No, it is not produced. Our skin needs UVB to synthesize this vitamin. Glass prevents the passage of this beam. -
If I sunbathe by applying sunscreen cream (SPF30, SPF50), will vitamin D synthesis occur?
No, it won't happen. As I mentioned above, the sun needs to be in direct contact with the skin. -
I have a newborn baby. Our pediatrician prescribed vitamin D. Should I definitely use this?
It should definitely be used. According to the current information given by the Ministry of Health, this vitamin should be prescribed from the first day of the baby. Because vitamin D synthesis does not occur in the skin of newborn babies. Vitamin D has very important roles in baby's bone development, teething, muscle development, nerve cell conduction, and mineral and calcium absorption from the intestines. Any instructions given by your doctor should be strictly followed anyway. -
I am over the age of 50, should I take vitamin D supplements?
As we age, that is, if we are roughly over 50 years old, destruction occurs in our body rather than production. Therefore, the cells in our skin begins to age and they cannot synthesize enough vitamin D. One of the functions of vitamin D is to absorb calcium from the blood and provide bone and tooth formation. Therefore, in the absence of vitamin D, calcium, which must be in the blood, is provided by some hormones (parat hormone) from the bone. In other words, bone resorption begins (osteoporosis). If you are over the age of 50, you should have a routine check-up and have your vitamin D and calcium levels checked as well as your bone density (bone densitometer). Your doctor will prescribe a vitamin D supplement if needed.
Conclusion: Today's "covid 19" will be tomorrow's "X" disease. Only the names and the pathological effects will change. We must not forget that we already have an incredible defense system in our body. We just need to make this system more active and powerful. The way to do this is to take the necessary precautions, to eat a balanced diet and not to neglect our vitamins (under the supervision of a doctor). "