Vitamin D And Parathyroid Hormone Levels Measurement
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured in patients and healthy controls within 1 hour from blood draw. Overall subjects were enrolled in the interval time of the year with major sunlight exposition, when 25–D values are usually higher. The 25–D levels status was categorized as usually proposed by experts in literature: using a standardized cut-off .
Importance Of Vitamin D
Having adequate vitamin D in the body is very important for various reasons, a few benefits of vitamin D include
Vitamin D also plays a major role in protecting the body against various health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, dementia, and type 1 diabetes. It also aids in regulating insulin levels in diabetes management.
Extra Vitamin D Has Benefits
If you take vitamin D supplements, your doctor may have prescribed them to support the absorption of supplemental calcium. Calcium, like most minerals, can cause constipation. This makes it difficult to blame either supplement for your bowel trouble. Another reason to take vitamin D emerged from a 2009 study published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology.” It suggested that higher levels of cardiovascular death occur in people with low levels of vitamin D. Reports such as these have produced an awareness of the importance of vitamin D supplementation that is unrelated to calcium.
- If you take vitamin D supplements, your doctor may have prescribed them to support the absorption of supplemental calcium.
- It suggested that higher levels of cardiovascular death occur in people with low levels of vitamin D. Reports such as these have produced an awareness of the importance of vitamin D supplementation that is unrelated to calcium.
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Supplements That May Help Relieve Constipation
Constipation is a condition with symptoms that include infrequent bowel movements, hard feces, frequent straining to poop, and the sensation of incomplete emptying. It affects up to 20% of adults worldwide and can significantly affect quality of life .
Healthcare providers typically treat constipation with lifestyle modifications, laxatives, and medications.
They also use other treatments in certain cases, including biofeedback therapy, transanal irrigation with a water enema, and surgery (
In addition to these treatments, some evidence suggests that certain supplements may help reduce constipation symptoms.
This article reviews 10 supplements that may help relieve constipation.
Magnesium plays a number of essential roles in the body, and using certain forms of this mineral may help those with constipation.
For example, research has shown that magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium sulfate all improve constipation symptoms.
One high quality, 28-day study including 34 women with mild to moderate constipation found that taking 1.5 grams of magnesium oxide per day significantly improved stool consistency, quality of life, and colonic transit time, compared with a placebo treatment .
Colonic transit time refers to the time it takes digested food to travel through the colon. Scientists consider delayed CTT to be one of the main causes of constipation (
7 ).
Vitamin D And Constipation
Constipation is one of these signs of magnesium deficiency and if you are getting constipation from vitamin d, then your body is telling you that you ARE magnesium deficient and that you probably have been for a long long time. Most people who complain of Vitamin D and Constipation have had other health problems related to magnesium deficiency for long periods of time, but they simply didn’t realize what they were. So, the solution for most people is to simply follow the instructions on the Magnesium Dosage page and remedy your magnesium deficiency. But do remember that vitamin d also uses up OTHER nutrients too, such as Vitamin K and Vitamin A, and many many people get relief from their Vitamin D Side Effects from taking Vitamin K and Vitamin A as well.
Since deficiencies of these nutrients are also rampant in western countries, I NEVER EVER recommend taking large doses of single nutrients, and the best course of action is to take all of the cofactors necessary as ‘insurance’ against vitamin d side effects. We’ve included all of these cofactors into our Vitamin D Absorption Pack for convenience.
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Is A Vitamin D Deficiency Behind Your Ibs
Vitamin D has been receiving a lot of research attention for two reasons: More information is being gained as to its role in our health and, in our overall population, rates of vitamin D deficiency are increasing. One small but emerging area of research has to do with vitamin D’s relationship with irritable bowel syndrome . In this overview, you will become educated about vitamin D, find out what the latest research is uncovering regarding its role in IBS, and how to ensure you are taking in adequate amounts of this important substance.
Definition Of Functional Chronic Constipation
All selected patients were inquired, before, for any possible secondary causes of functional chronic constipation, including alarm features, lifestyle factors and medical treatments and we also identified the response to previous treatment about constipation symptoms, by interviewing patients. Then, they were considered affected by functional chronic constipation only when they showed a frequency of evacuation less than twice a week with increased stool consistency. All the selected patients underwent blood tests, colonoscopy, nutritional assessment , stool frequency diary, LBT, GBT, wireless motility testing, radiopaque markers studies, and when required, tests for pelvic floor dysfunction, and psychological tests exploring patientâs quality of life.
Accordingly, when not eligible, patients were excluded :1): 152 consecutive subjects affected by functional chronic constipation with intestinal motility disorders met the eligibility criteria, along with 150 healthy subjects. Patients and controls in each group were first randomly sampled from the pool of available individuals and, then matched for age, sex and BMI, using MatchIt. This analysis resulted in 86 patients and 86 matched controls that were enrolled for the study. Our patients did not receive any pharmacological treatment before all evaluations.
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Here’s Why Vitamin D Supplements Are Ineffective For Treating Painful Ibs
Vitamin D supplements are not an effective treatment for easing painful symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome , a new study from the University of Sheffield revealed.
The findings of the study appeared in the European Journal of Nutrition.
Scientists from the University’s Department of Oncology and Metabolism – in conjunction with a health supplement company, BetterYou – carried out trials on participants who suffer from the chronic condition of the digestive system to assess whether vitamin D reduced the severity of their symptoms and whether it could improve their quality of life.
Results of the study found that despite an improvement in vitamin D status in the participants in response to a vitamin D3 oral spray supplementation over a 12-week trial, there was no difference to their IBS symptom severity over the same period, nor a reported change in the participants’ quality of life.
IBS is a common functional bowel disorder, characterised by chronically relapsing perturbed bowel habit. It causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
For some, symptoms will come and go, but for others, it can severely affect their quality of life, often causing embarrassment leading to many living with the condition undiagnosed, affecting both mental health and wellbeing.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
You Can Control The Problem
You can make dietary changes that will help soften your stools. You can help relieve constipation by using a mixture of 1/2 cup of plain bran flakes, applesauce and prune-juice, made in a storage container and refrigerated. Every morning, consume 2 tablespoons of the mixture along with your regular breakfast. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and go easy on binding foods such as rice and bananas. If you dont find relief from these dietary measures, try an over-the-counter stool softener or laxative. Check with your doctor for a recommendation of the safest product.
- You can make dietary changes that will help soften your stools.
- Check with your doctor for a recommendation of the safest product.
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What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by specific medical conditions, such as:
- Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease: These diseases do not allow the intestines to absorb enough vitamin D through supplements.
- Weight loss surgeries. Weight loss surgeries that reduce the size of the stomach and/or bypasses part of the small intestines make it very difficult to consume sufficient quantities of certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. These individuals need to be carefully monitored by their doctors and need to continue to take vitamin D and other supplements throughout their lives.
- Obesity: A body mass index greater than 30 is associated with lower vitamin D levels. Fat cells keep vitamin D isolated so that it is not released. Vitamin D deficiency is more likely in obese people. Obesity often makes it necessary to take larger doses of vitamin D supplements in order to reach and maintain normal D levels.
- Kidney and liver diseases: These diseases reduce the amount of an enzyme needed to change vitamin D to a form that is used in the body. Lack of this enzyme leads to an inadequate level of active vitamin D in the body.
Other Supplements That May Help
Research suggests that the following products may also help relieve constipation.
- Sujiaonori. Sujiaonori is the Japanese name for fiber-rich, edible green river algae. Some research suggests that treatment with sujiaonori powder may help relieve symptoms of constipation and improve gastrointestinal function in some people (
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How Often Do You Need To Get Your Vitamin D Levels Checked
Doctors do not usually order routine checks of vitamin D levels, but they might need to check your levels if you have certain medical conditions or risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Sometimes vitamin D levels can be checked as a cause of symptoms such as long-lasting body aches, a history of falls or bone fractures without significant trauma.
Do Vitamins Cause Constipation
Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal issue in the United States, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse — it affects approximately 4 million Americans. While anyone can develop constipation, women over age 65 face an increased risk, and so do pregnant women. Several factors — including poor diet, lack of physical activity, dehydration, irritable bowel syndrome and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement — can all cause constipation, but some vitamins and vitamin supplements can also take the blame.
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The Importance Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is not your typical vitamin. Unlike other vitamins, your body can actually manufacture vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight. You may see it described in some sources as a hormone, but it appears that the vitamin itself provides the basis for certain hormones to be manufactured within the body.
Vitamin D belongs to the class of fat-soluble vitamins, which means that the vitamin can be stored within your body. This is in contrast to water soluble vitamins which dissolve in water and are available to your body’s tissues but are not stored. This distinction is important because the storage factor of a fat-soluble vitamin leaves you at risk for a buildup of the vitamin to toxic levels.
You can obtain vitamin D through sun exposure, it is found naturally in some foods, it has been added to many fortified foods, and it can be taken in supplement form.
Vitamin D is most important for its role in calcium absorption and in maintaining calcium and phosphate concentrations in your blood. Vitamin D, therefore, plays an important role in bone health. Vitamin D is also thought to play a role in the health of our immune systems, the functioning of our muscles, and in reducing inflammation.
Side Effects Of Too Much Vitamin D
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Vitamin D is extremely important for good health.
It plays several roles in keeping your bodys cells healthy and functioning the way they should.
Most people dont get enough vitamin D, so supplements are common.
However, its also possible although rare for this vitamin to build up and reach toxic levels in your body.
This article discusses 6 potential side effects of getting excessive amounts of this important vitamin.
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What Other Factors Can Lead To Vitamin D Deficiency
- Age: The skin’s ability to make vitamin D lessens with age.
- Mobility: People who are homebound or are rarely outside are not able to use sun exposure as a source of vitamin D.
- Skin color: Dark-colored skin is less able to make vitamin D than fair-colored skin.
- Human breast milk: A woman’s breast milk only contains a small amount of vitamin D. Often infant formulas also only include a small amount of D also. Therefore infants are at risk of not receiving enough vitamin D. This is especially true for infants who are only fed breast milk.
Can Medications Cause A Vitamin D Deficiency
Yes. Vitamin D levels can be lowered by certain medications. These include:
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs .
- Seizure-control drugs .
- A tuberculosis drug .
- A weight-loss drug .
Always tell your doctor about the drugs you take and any vitamin D supplements or other supplements or herbs/alternative health products that you take.
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What Does Sunlight Have To Do With Getting Enough Vitamin D
There are health benefits of sunlight. Vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to sunshine, or rather, the ultraviolet B radiation that the sun emits. The amount of vitamin D that your skin makes depends on such factors as:
- The season: This factor depends a bit on where you live. In areas such as Cleveland, OH, the UV-B light does not reach the earth for six months out of the year due to the ozone layer and the zenith of the sun.
- The time of day: The sun’s rays are most powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- The amount of cloud cover and air pollution.
- Where you live: Cities near the equator have higher ultraviolet light levels. It is the UV-B light in sunlight that causes your skin to make vitamin D.
- The melanin content of your skin: Melanin is a brown-black pigment in the eyes, hair and skin. Melanin causes skin to tan. The darker your skin, the more sun exposure is needed in order to get sufficient vitamin D from the sun.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency
Severe lack of vitamin D causes rickets, which shows up in children as incorrect growth patterns, weakness in muscles, pain in bones and deformities in joints. This is very rare. However, children who are deficient in vitamin D can also have muscle weakness or sore and painful muscles.
Lack of vitamin D is not quite as obvious in adults. Signs and symptoms might include:
- Fatigue.
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How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated
The goals of treatment and prevention are the sameto reach, and then maintain, an adequate level of vitamin D in the body. While you might consider eating more foods that contain vitamin D and getting a little bit of sunlight, you will likely be told to take vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 and D3. D2, also called ergocalciferol, comes from plants. D3, also called cholecalciferol, comes from animals. You need a prescription to get D2. D3, however, is available over the counter. It is more easily absorbed than D2 and lasts longer in the body dose-for-dose. Work with your doctor to find out if you need to take a vitamin supplement and how much to take if it is needed.
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Vitamin D has a litany of uses and has been a staple of medical care since the early 20th century. Doctors initially used the supplement to help prevent rickets, and further research found additional benefits for bone and immune system health. But research has also found a connection between vitamin D and constipation.
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How Can I Help Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency
The goals of treating and preventing the lack of vitamin D of treatment and prevention are the sameto reach and keep an adequate level of vitamin D in the body. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to take or keep taking vitamin D supplements. If so, they will also let you know how much you should take. You might also want to consider:
Eating more foods that contain vitamin D: See the vitamin D food sources table included in this article. Keep in mind that foods alone usually don’t meet the daily recommended levels of vitamin D.
Getting some exposure to sunshinebut not too much: Exactly how much sun exposure is needed isnt clear. 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week to the face, arms, legs or back may be all that is needed to absorb a suitable amount of vitamin D. You might need more sun exposure if:
- You are older.
- You have a darker skin color.
- You live in northern climates.
The use of sunscreen, and standing behind a window, prevents vitamin D from being produced in the skin. However, you should remember that too much sunshine increases the risk of skin cancer and ages the skin. That is why taking an appropriately dosed D supplement is far safer than intentionally getting routine sun exposure.