Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

About Vitamin D

Vitamin D is better known as the “sunshine vitamin” because humans are able to synthesize much of their required intake through proper exposure to the sun. Vitamin D helps produce hormones that are responsible for regulating the body’s calcium levels, so proper amounts of Vitamin D are essential for bone growth and maintenance, though deficiencies in this nutrient can cause many additional health problems.

Causing Vitamin D Deficiency

While it may seem easy to get enough Vitamin D – the daily recommended dosage for adults is a mere 200 international units (IU) per day – there are actually many ways deficiencies can be created. Problems that may cause Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include:

• Inadequate Sun Exposure: Individuals who work night shifts, have indoor jobs, or simply don’t get outside enough may suffer from Vitamin D inadequacies.

• Too Much Sunscreen: While the use of sunscreen is essential to minimize the risks of skin cancers and other skin disorders, strong sunscreens also prohibit the manufacture of Vitamin D, even if an individual is outside in the sun frequently.

• Dark Skin: Melanin – the pigment that darkens skin – slows Vitamin D production. Individuals with heavy tans or naturally darker skin tones will have more difficulty synthesizing an adequate supply of Vitamin D.

• Liver and Kidney Disorders: Since Vitamin D is processed into hormones in the liver and kidneys, individuals with improperly functioning organs may suffer deficiency symptoms even if their blood levels of Vitamin D are adequate.

• Heredity: Rare hereditary disorders may lead to Vitamin D shortages if individuals are unable to convert sunlight into this essential nutrient as effectively as possible.

• Age: As individuals age, they require a greater supply of Vitamin D to maintain their bone and muscle health. The same daily intake that was adequate at the age of 25 may be far less than needed at the age of 50, leading to deficiency symptoms.

• Obesity: Some studies have shown that obese individuals may be less able to effectively manufacture Vitamin D, coupled with their increased need for stronger bones to support a greater weight. This can lead to deficiencies over time.

Common Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

Several diseases and health problems are symptoms of a poor supply of Vitamin D. The most familiar symptoms of inadequate Vitamin D are soft bone disorders. Called rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and osteoporosis in seniors, soft bone disorders indicate an inadequate supply of calcium to strengthen bones, which is usually a direct result of inadequate Vitamin D sources. This can lead to crippling deformations, easier bone fractures, and diminished bone density.

Other deficiency symptoms may include:

• High blood pressure
• Tuberculosis
• Depression, including seasonal affective disorder
• Type I diabetes
• Periodontal disease
• Low blood calcium levels
• Chronic bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Bowed limbs
• Knock-kneed appearance

Drink your D.

While one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate a Vitamin D deficiency, ongoing symptoms coupled with an indoor lifestyle and a personal or family history of osteoporosis or other bone disorders could indicate poor nutrient concentrations. Individuals who suspect a Vitamin D deficiency should seek a professional medical consultation including a blood test to confirm any nutritional problems.

Correcting Deficiencies

Fortunately, a lack of Vitamin D is easily corrected once it is properly diagnosed and appropriately treated. Increasing sun exposure even a few minutes each day can dramatically improve Vitamin D deficiency symptoms, and individuals can also adjust their diets to include more foods rich in Vitamin D to compensate.

Beef, sardines, herring, and salmon are healthy foods with Vitamin D, and milk, bread, and breakfast cereals are often fortified with the nutrient. Vitamin D is also available in supplemental form and multivitamins.

There are several causes of Vitamin D deficiency that can lead to serious disorders, but with proper treatment including adequate sun exposure and a healthy diet, this nutrient deficiency can be reversed and individuals with nutritional challenges can enjoy a sunny new lifestyle.