Vitamin D deficiency is a very common health problem in Jordan and the Arab region affecting 60-80% of the population despite available sunshine. Its impact on wound healing and general health is significant and scientifically proven.
How It Affects Wounds:
- Immunity: Vitamin D regulates the immune system — deficiency weakens ability to fight wound infections.
- Inflammation: Regulates inflammatory response — deficiency increases chronic inflammation preventing healing.
- Skin formation: Essential for keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation — without it, new skin formation slows.
- Antimicrobial production: Stimulates cathelicidin production — a natural antimicrobial peptide.
Reference Values:
- Normal: Above 30 ng/ml.
- Insufficient: 20-29 ng/ml.
- Deficient: Below 20 ng/ml — very common in Jordan.
Treatment:
- Oral vitamin D3 supplements — dose based on deficiency severity.
- Sun exposure 15-20 minutes daily.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we test vitamin D for every patient and treat deficiency as part of the healing plan.