Vitamin D in Saudi Arabia - Literature review Example

 Vitamin D in Saudi Arabia There are several problems associated with vitamin D deficiency- for instance, hypertension, cancers, hyperparathyroidism, obesity, multiple sclerosis, chronic back pain, diabetes and osteomalacia, (Azhar 2009, p.19-25). The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. The efficiency of conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3 is dependent on the season of the year, the time of exposure to the sun, the time of day, age and skin color (Brown, Ignatius, Amling, & Barvencik 2013, p.1733-1742). Extraskeletal Effects of Vitamin D Receptors of vitamin D are present in the colon, activated T and B lymphocytes, the small intestine, osteoblasts, and most organs in the body such as the heart, prostate, brain, heart, skin, gonads, and mononuclear cells (Brown, Ignatius, Amling, & Barvencik 2013, p.1733-1742). Epidemiologic researches in the past 20 years have suggested vital effects of vitamin D on the immune system and in inhibiting some cancers. Vitamin D deficiency affects both phosphorus and calcium digestion. The main role of vitamin D is to regulate calcium levels within acceptable ranges. It achieves this by increasing intestinal calcium absorption. In a vitamin D deficiency state, 10-15 % of dietary calcium is absorbed by the intestine (Brown, Ignatius, Amling, & Barvencik 2013, p.1733-1742). In a vitamin D sufficient state, 30% of dietary calcium is absorbed and during pregnancy, growth or lactation, the absorption can go as high as 80% with increased demand for calcium. Bone Health and the Metabolism of Phosphorous and Calcium In circumstances of vitamin D deficiency, low ionized calcium concentrations espouse the secretion of parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid hormone increases calcium reabsorption in renal tubes and increases 1, 25-1-hydroxylase activity, which results in increased 1, 25- dihydroxy vitamin D (1, 25(OH) 2-D) production (Azhar 2009, p.19-25). Pregnant women and infants in Saudi Arabia suffer so much of these conditions. Secondly, during old age, men tend to have weaker bones due to reduced calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Rickets Increased PTH concentrations results in the loss of phosphorous within the urine. Decreased levels of phosphorus and calcium results in reduced bone mineralization. In addition, reduced phosphorus concentrations leads to failure of the expected apoptosis of hypertrophied chondrocytes. Calcification delay of osteoid causes osteomalacia in established bones. Osteomalacia in undeveloped bones is known as rickets (Azhar 2009 p.19-25). Rickets is a description of the abnormal organization growth of the cartilaginous growth plate (Hovsepian 2011, p. 3). The clinical description of vitamin D deficiency that results in rickets is based on bone deformity signs and pain and may be related with hypocalcemia. This condition in Saudi Arabia affects both adults and young people. The majority of victims are found in the rural setting with limited knowledge on rickets. Vitamin D deficiency in children also can prevent children from reaching maximum body mass. Cancer Normal concentrations of > 75nmol/l keep cell growth in check and prevent autonomous in-growth that can result in to unregulated cancer. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiencies of concentrations less Read More