Vitamin D is a natural hormone primarily acquired through sunlight and certain foods. Known for facilitating the absorption and metabolism of calcium to maintain bone strength, recent studies have shown Vitamin D also plays an important role in protecting the heart and cancer prevention.
Unfortunately, many men suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin D, leading to significant negative health effects and greatly increasing their risk of certain chronic conditions and diseases. If you are experiencing hormonal irregularity symptoms like bone weakness, muscle and joint pain, mood changes, or fatigue, it might be a good idea to look into Vitamin D treatment for men in Connecticut.
In areas with temperate climates like the northeast United States, almost 80 percent of the population is Vitamin D deficient. Because of the area’s consistent cloud cover, as well as the filtering effect the atmosphere has on sunlight, many Connecticut men do not get the exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation from sunlight that their skin needs to produce Vitamin D.
Beyond lifestyle choices and nutrition, certain diseases and medical conditions are commonly associated with Vitamin D deficiency in men, including obesity, diseases of the kidney and/or liver, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s diseases. Surgical procedures for weight loss can also impact the small intestines’ ability to absorb specific nutrients. Taking medications like steroids, laxatives, and drugs meant to control seizures or cholesterol can also result in Vitamin D deficiencies.
Finally, advanced age, lack of physical ability, and even darker skin tone can negatively impact the amount of Vitamin D a man’s body produces and synthesizes. Local doctors can help men determine the source of their Vitamin D deficiencies and help them find the right treatment options for their circumstances.
The only foods that truly provide substantial natural replacement of Vitamin D are cod liver oil and, if consumed in significant quantities, wild Alaskan salmon. Unfortunately, virtually all other foods and food additives are inadequate for addressing serious Vitamin D deficiencies.
Most people who live in our area require substantial supplementation in the form of gel caps or liquid treatments providing 1000 to 5000 International Units – equivalent to roughly 25 to 125 micrograms – of Vitamin D daily. In cases of severe deficiency, prescription doses of Vitamin D at 50,000 IU once or even twice weekly may be necessary to bring blood levels up to an ideal range.
While mid-range levels of Vitamin D in a man’s blood will not result in adverse side effects, too much Vitamin D can raise the serum levels of calcium in the blood. This is a condition known as hypercalcemia and can cause stomach pain, frequent thirst and urination, bone pain, muscle weakness, and confusion. Like with all other hormone treatments, men receiving Vitamin D therapy in our area should work closely with a local physician to monitor their hormone levels and ensure they are getting the exact treatment they need.
There are a variety of circumstances that could lead to a Vitamin D deficiency, and all of them could have a negative impact on your overall health. While natural remedies can sometimes help reverse this kind of deficiency, your best option is usually to seek diagnosis and treatment from a licensed medical practitioner.
Dr. Edward Jacobson could explain various Vitamin D treatments for men in Connecticut and help identify the one that would best fit your needs. To schedule an initial consultation, call our Greenwich office today.