Symptoms of Low Vitamin D

There are a significant number of symptoms of low vitamin D that may be an indicator that a health problem may exist and may need to be addressed by a physician.

Vitamin D (calciteral) is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that in order for it to be absorbed by the intestinal tract, fat needs to be present in the body. Vitamin D is rarely found in most food sources with the exception of egg yolks, milk, various vegetables, and in the rays of the sun. Vitamin D performs a major function in helping the body to maintain normal levels of both calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream and is vital for the absorption of calcium by the bones and teeth.

Vitamin D Deficiency Syndrome (VDDS) is a group of symptoms that are typically associated with a vitamin deficiency. Although these symptoms may be indicators of other existing health related problems, it is common to find one or more of the following symptoms in individuals who are afflicted with a vitamin D deficiency:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Dental problems
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Heart Disease
• High blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Osteomalacia--soft bones
• Osteoporosis--the loss of bone mass
• Pain, muscle fatigue and body aches
• Rickets--a bone-deteriorating disease affecting children
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Schizophrenia--a mental disorder
• Thyroid problems
• Vision problems

• Cystic Fibrosis—an inherited disease where the body produces thick mucus that blocks the

pancreas preventing the intestine from absorbing nutrients from food

• Crohn’s Disease—causes the lining of the digestive tract to become inflamed resulting in

painful swelling and discomfort of the abdomen and frequent diarrhea

• Colitis—similar to Crohn’s disease but the colon is inflamed and empties itself more frequently than normal resulting in vitamin deficiency
• Lupus—a chronic autoimmune disease causing arthritic pain, fatigue, skin rashes and photosensitivity, without enough UV rays the body cannot process vitamin D.

One of the most currently discussed symptoms of low vitamin D has been discussed in a recent 2009 study authored by John Brehm, MD, from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (Vol. 179 (9); pp 765-71). This study discusses that it has been determined that there is a significant link between low vitamin D and common respiratory infections. This indicates that individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels have reported having a greater number of colds and flu than those with higher levels of vitamin D. In addition, people with asthma having the lowest vitamin D levels are 5 times more likely to have had some recent respiratory infection. Although low levels of vitamin D have not found to be associated with having a more severe case of asthma.

In order to make a positive diagnosis of VDDS a number of tests are required in order to confirm symptoms of a low vitamin D deficiency. Medical evidence must be established that VDDS is linked in the following tests:

• A lack of exposure to the UVB rays of the sun
• Is associated with low vitamin D levels
• Is related to the other symptoms
• Will improve with does of vitamin D

The medical community has determined that vitamin D is not simply viewed as a vitamin, which results in promoting bone health, but also functions as a complex hormone that regulates the immune system and assists in the overall healthy function of the human body.

• Written by Sherry Ferraro

• Amino Acids Affecting Hair
• Foods Containing Vitamin K
• Facts About Iron

• Vitamin B12 Injections Side Effects
• Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
• Vitamin D Overdose
• Foods High in Vitamin K
• Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms

• Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
• Vitamin D Deficiency Thyroid
• Vitamin D Overdose
• Foods with Vitamin D
• Natural Supplements for Testosterone Replacement