Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms and Treatment

Vitamin D deficiency is a condition when the blood serum levels of vitamin D are lower than the normal range. It is is also called hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D is essential for the body in developing strong bones. It helps the body to absorb calcium from the diet. Vitamin D is normally produced by the body on exposure to sunlight. It is also naturally available in foods containing vitamin D such as milk, fish, nuts, egg, meat etc.

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The compound 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) is a precursor to the active form of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol) in the blood. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D is transformed into the active metabolite in the kidney. The active form of vitamin D controls the level of calcium and phosphorous present in the blood.

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Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

Decreased dietary intake of vitamin D: Those who do not consume the adequate vitamin D in their diet are deficiency of vitamin D. People who are strictly vegetarian or people under malnutrition are more prone to have vitamin D deficiency.

Increased age: Older people are more prone to vitamin D deficiency because of decreased absorption from the gut.

Decreased exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is produced by the skin during exposure to the sunlight. People who live their lives mostly at home, those who live in northern latitudes, people wearing long dresses covering most of their body, and those who do indoor jobs especially are prone to be vitamin D deficient.

Presence of dark skin color: The dark pigmentation on the skin by melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D when exposed to the sunlight.

Decreased absorption of vitamin D: Those medical conditions which inhibit the absorption of vitamin D from the intestine will cause deficiency of vitamin D.

Inability to convert vitamin D into its active form: Vitamin D is converted into its active form by the kidneys. The inability of the kidneys to convert vitamin D into the active from will cause deficiency of vitamin D in the body.

Obesity: Individuals who are obese have lower circulating vitamin D in their blood due to reduced bioavailability. The fat cells extract vitamin D from the blood and thus decrease the amount of it in the blood circulation. Excessive body fat will cause vitamin D deficiency.

Hereditary disorders: Disorders which cause decreased vitamin D metabolism in the body can cause vitamin D deficiency in certain people.

Signs and Symptoms

Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which is a childhood disease characterized by decreased mineralization of the bones, bone softening, skeletal deformities of the long bones, and stunted growth.

​Deficiency of vitamin D causes osteomalacia, which is a bone thinning disorder found in adults. It is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and fragility of the bones.

It causes osteoporosis in adults, which is a condition of reduced bone density and fragility.

It causes muscular aches and weakness.

​It causes twitching and fasciculations of the muscles.

It is a risk factor in developing depressive symptoms in older people.​

​Tests For vitamin D Deficiency

​Vitamin D deficiency is is diagnosed by measuring the concentration of the compound 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) in the blood. A concentration of 75–80 nmol/L (30–32 ng/mL) is sufficient for a healthy adult​ and a level below this range indicates vitamin D deficiency.

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​Treatment For Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is treated through dietary supplementation and also by sun exposure. Foods such fish and fish liver oils, oysters, soy products, milk and diary products, eggs, and mushrooms are abundant in vitamin D.

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Adequate exposure to sunlight can provide the necessary daily vitamin D. Extreme sun light exposure should be avoided. Sunscreens inhibit the production of vitamin D on the skin. The most preferred time for sun exposure is before 8 in the morning and after 5 in the evening.

Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D is available as supplements in two forms D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3(cholecalciferol) that differ chemically  in their side-chain. Vitamin D2 is manufactured by the UV irradiation of ergosterol in yeast while vitamin D3 is manufactured by the irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol from lanolin and the chemical conversion of cholesterol. Both these forms are regarded as equivalent based on their ability to cure rickets. The steps involved in the metabolism and actions of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are identical as well as effectively raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. These supplements usually available as granules can be taken alone or fortified with foods or calcium.