Vitamin D deficiency symptoms & causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Tiredness or fatigue even after a sound sleep

Muscle weakness or cramps

Pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips and legs

Changes in mood, sadness, or depression

Some people will experience thinning or loss of hair

Slow wound healing

Bone loss, particularly among older adults, leading to fractures

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

When should you be worried?

You should see a doctor if:

You’ve experienced prolonged fatigue or muscle pain for weeks
You’ve had several bone fractures or injuries
You’ve noticed your mood has been rather low
You have medical conditions such as osteoporosis, thyroid or digestive problems that interfere with nutrient absorption.

All of these may be symptoms of low levels of serum vitamin D in the blood, and your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, vitamin D therapy, supplements or additional testing based on your situation.

Advised treatments

Vitamin-d-shot

Body Treatment

The causes

What causes vitamin D deficiency?

There are a number of reasons a person may be low on vitamin D:

Lack of sunlight exposure: Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But too much sun exposure may also lead to premature ageing and skin cancer.
Poor dietary intake: Although some foods do have vitamin D, including fortified milk, most people do not eat enough of them to meet their daily needs.
Health conditions affecting absorption: Diseases such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease or chronic kidney or liver disease can affect vitamin D metabolism or the way your body absorb vitamin.
Obesity: Fat tissue stores vitamin D. In people with obesity with body mass index >30 kg/m 2, the vitamin may become trapped in fat cells and less available to the rest of the body.
Age: As we age, our skin is less efficient at making vitamin D from sunlight. Older adults, particularly if they are not outdoors much, tend to be deficient.

The risk factors

Who is at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency?

There are numbers of associated risk factors if you:

Live in colder or cloudier areas with less sunlight
Have darker skin, which decreases the skin’s production of vitamin D
Adhere to a strict vegan diet, not even dairy or fish
Can be older or immobile, particularly in care homes
Cover your skin for cultural or religious purposes
Are pregnant or breastfeeding, making your vitamin D needs higher
Take certain medications that alter how your body processes vitamin D, such as steroids or anti-seizure drugs

The complications

Hidden Dangers

What happens when it is left untreated?

Calcium deficiency
When your body fails to keep healthy levels of calcium, your bones and muscles begin to suffer.
Phosphate deficiency
Bones might become weakened and energy can be reduced from low phosphate.
Rickets
This disorder results in the softening and bending of bones in growing children.

Osteomalacia
Bone softening occurs in adults as well, resulting in pain, fractures, and muscle weakness.
Hypocalcemia
It is when the calcium level in your blood caused by low calcium and phosphorus absorption by your intestine is too low.
Respiratory tract infections
Reduced immune function, leaving you more susceptible to colds, flu and other infections.

The prevention

Get Regular Sun Exposure

How much sunlight do we need per day?

Getting about 10 to 30 minutes of sun exposure on your skin several times each week allows your body to produce vitamin D, though the duration depends on your skin tone, the time of day, and the location you live in.

Is sunlight enough on its own?

Sunlight can be useful, but not always enough. And if you spend most of your time indoors, use sunscreen all the time, or live in an area that’s often cloudy, you might need other sources of vitamin D, as well.

Boost Your Diet

What foods are you getting vitamin D from?

A few foods naturally contain it, such as fatty fish like salmon, sardines, egg yolks and mushrooms. And many common foods, such as milk, cereal and orange juice, are fortified with vitamins to help get your normal vitamin d levels up.

Is diet sufficient to avoid deficiency?

Food can do a lot, but there can be factors beyond that especially for people who do not eat fish or dairy. Even so, incorporating these foods into your meals is a smart way to promote your health.

Extra Support

Who needs vitamin D supplementation?

If you do not get enough sun, have darker skin or certain health issues, supplements can help. A doctor can test your levels and advise how much you should take. But keep in mind that too much vitamin D intake has been linked to other health problems.

Are all supplements the same?

Not quite. D3 is generally superior to D2. Ask your doctor which is best for you, and how much you should take to remain at peak health.

Get Regular Checkup

When is a good time to check your vitamin D levels?

If you’re often fatigued, achy, or suspect you aren’t getting adequate vitamin D, talk to your physician about getting a blood test.

How often should you check?

If you’re already taking supplements, once or twice a year is usually sufficient. Your doctor can help guide you, and keep your levels in the healthy range.

Stay Active Outdoors

Does spending time outside prevent vitamin D deficiency?

Being outside, even just walking around or sitting in the sun helps your body produce vitamin D. It’s also been shown to improve your bone health, mood and general wellbeing.

What if you cannot get out much?

If you are indoors for long periods, it might help to sit close to a sunny window, or to eat more vitamin D-rich foods. If you need support, vitamin D supplements may help as well.