What is Vitamin D and what are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?



When vitamin D is produced in the skin or consumed in food, it requires chemical conversion in the liver and kidney to form dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Active vitamin D functions as a hormone because it sends a message to the intestines to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones to promote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin and brittle.

When can vitamin D deficiency occur? There are three main reasons one would not be receiving the right amount of Vitamin D in their body: 1) Not enough intake 2) The body cannot adequately absorb the Vitamin from the digestive tract 3) Not enough time is spent in the sun so that the kidneys can convert Vitamin D to its active hormone.

Lack of Vitamin D intake often starts with those who are lactose intolerant or strict vegetarians. Infants fed only breast milk can also receive insufficient amounts of Vitamin D if they are not receiving supplementation.

Older adults are also believed to be at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency too. As people age, skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently and the kidney is less able to convert vitamin D to its active hormone form. It is estimated that as many as 30% to 40% of older adults with hip fractures are vitamin D insufficient.

Because of the amount of sunlight needed, persons with limited sun exposure such as homebound individuals, people living in northern latitudes such as in New England and Alaska, women who wear robes and head coverings for religious reasons, and individuals working in occupations that prevent sun exposure are unlikely to obtain much vitamin D from sunlight. It is important for people with limited sun exposure to consume recommended amounts of vitamin D in their diets or consider vitamin D supplementation.

Biologically, persons with fat malabsorption issues in that they have the reduced ability to absorb dietary fat may require Vitamin D supplements. Symptoms of fat malabsorption include diarrhea and oily stools. Fat malabsorption is associated with a variety of medical conditions.

What are symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? The classic vitamin D deficiency diseases are rickets and osteomalacia. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets. Rickets is a bone disease characterized by a failure to properly mineralize bone tissue. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness may indicate vitamin D deficiency, but symptoms may be subtle and go undetected in the initial stages. A deficiency is accurately diagnosed by measuring the concentration of a specific form of vitamin D in blood.

Because Vitamin D has so many benefits, having a deficiency could lead to many more concerns that those listed above. So, if you aren't eating enough foods with Vitamin D, not getting enough sunlight or have a medical condition that doesn't allow your body to absorb calcium, you might want to check out the supplement section nearest you.