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Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

By Saksham Bhatia +2 more

Vitamin D deficiency is something you really don’t need in your life. A shortfall of Vitamin D can trigger some unpleasant consequences. The effects of this deficiency can easily be averted. But how? Let’s arm ourselves with the right information and then take some really simple measures.


Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for the regulation of phosphorus and calcium in the body. Vitamin D helps in the absorption and retention of these two minerals, which are helpful for healthy bone development. Vitamin D is one of the many nutrients that the body needs in order to stay mentally and physically healthy. 

Importance of Vitamin D in the body

Some interesting facts about the benefits of vitamin D to the body are mentioned below, which makes it important to avoid a deficiency:

  • Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis and bone brittleness.
  • Vitamin D shows the potential to lower the risks of seasonal depression, clinical depression and anxiety.
  • Vitamin D can strengthen immunity and protect an individual from the risk of severe respiratory infections.
  • Adequate intake of vitamin D has been linked with reduced risks of stroke, heart disorder and heart failure.
  • Scientists have found a correlation between vitamin D and reduced cancer risk. Such types of cancers include prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer.
  • Vitamin D can play a role in brain function and can reduce the risk of dementia.
  • Vitamin D sufficiency can alleviate symptoms and risk of autoimmune conditions.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health issue. About 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency. It is easily treatable with oral supplements.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Causes of Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is said to occur when blood levels are below 20 ng/ml [1]. The causes are listed below:

  • Reduced exposure to sunlight 

Vitamin D is often referred to as the ‘sunshine Vitamin’ [2] because when sunlight comes in contact with the body, it undergoes a synthesis process. Therefore, reduced exposure to daily sunlight can also play an important cause in deficiency. Being employed in overnight shifts, Having a desk job and Staying indoors also reduce exposure to sunlight.

  • Reduced intake of vitamin D-Rich food – dairy, fish or vitamin D supplements.
  • Liver or kidney disorder – The liver and kidneys help to convert the inactive form of vitamin D to the active form.

 Ageing:

  • Having a darker complexion
  • Living in colder countries or in regions that have little sunlight throughout the year.
  • Poor absorption of vitamin D from the gut – Having recently undergone gastric bypass surgery.
  • Conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease can affect nutrient absorption. People following a vegan diet may also be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

A link between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes exists where people who have insulin resistance and a low level of vitamin D may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, adequate levels of vitamin D may help prevent and treat autoimmune diseases, including diabetes mellitus.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

Unfortunately, Vitamin D deficiency may not show symptoms for many years. Sometimes, there may not be any symptoms at all. Some commonly reported symptoms and signs of vitamin D deficiency are as follows:

  • Feeling fatigued very easily
  • A heavy sensation in the legs
  • Facing trouble climbing stairs
  • Chronic pain in bones and joints
  • Finding it difficult rising from a chair
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Highly vulnerable to infections and illnesses
  • Slow wound healing
  • Bone and hair loss

Why should you undergo Lab Tests for Vitamin D?

Since most of the time, vitamin D deficiency can go without showing any symptoms and it is important to undergo regular lab tests to check if your levels are in line with the standard requirements. Your family physician or any general practitioner can especially ask you to undergo some tests if you have a history of chronic pain, falls or bone fractures that have occurred very easily. They may also prescribe a test to you if you are prone to staying indoors due to any medical condition or have a sedentary desk job.

A vitamin D test is essentially a blood test [3] wherein the healthcare professional takes a blood sample from one of the veins in the arms using a very small needle. A very small quantity of blood will be extracted into a vial or a test tube.

If your vitamin D levels are insufficient or just about borderline, you should consume more foods that are either enriched or fortified with vitamin D. You can also consider going out for early morning walks when the intensity of the sunlight is low. Talk to your doctor about vitamin D nano supplements. Ensure to also get your vitamin D levels checked from time to time if you have bone pain, muscle weakness, deformed bones, fractures and low bone density.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Sources:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28459478/
  2. https://www.everydayhealth.com/vitamin-d/vitamin-d-health-benefits-what-it-can-cant-your-body/
  3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-929/vitamin-d
  4. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/
  5. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-d-test/#:~:text=A%20vitamin%20D%20test%20is,D%20is%20causing%20your%20condition.
  6. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#:~:text=Levels%20of%2050%20nmol%2FL,and%20might%20cause%20health%20problems.
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