Effects of Low Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which plays an important role in absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Besides keeping our bones healthy, it also helps in strengthening our immune system. Ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol are forms of this vitamin. These are necessary for the healthy functioning of our body. Since this vitamin is naturally synthesized by our body on exposure to sunlight, it is also referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Most of the vitamin D that we get is obtained through sunlight. Some of the foods that are rich in this vitamin include sardines, mackerel, eel and herring, egg yolks, certain types of mushrooms, cooked beef, liver and cod liver oil. Those who don't include foods rich in this vitamin to their diet or don't step out into the sun are likely to suffer from this vitamin deficiency. In this article, we would be looking into the effects of low vitamin D along with the common causes and treatment options.

What Causes a Vitamin D Deficiency?

An inadequate exposure to sunlight could be seen in people who prefer to spend most of their time indoors. Since prolonged exposure to sun can cause darkening of skin, many people resort to excessive use of sunscreen. As a result, the ultraviolet rays that facilitate the synthesis of this vitamin cannot be absorbed. Aging is another common cause of this vitamin deficiency. As we age, our body's ability to synthesize this vitamin declines.

If your diet doesn't include foods that contain this vitamin, you are most likely to suffer from this deficiency. An inability of the digestive tract to absorb this vitamin can also lead to a deficiency. Since liver or kidney diseases impact the ability of the body to convert it to an active form, people suffering from such diseases might also exhibit symptoms of this vitamin deficiency. Use of certain drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol can also affect the body's ability to convert the sunshine vitamin into an active form.

Effects of a Vitamin D Deficiency

A deficiency of this vitamin could lead to diseases in both children and adults. Since this vitamin is very essential for absorption of calcium, very low levels of this vitamin would have an adverse effect on the bones. In children, low levels of this vitamin can lead to rickets, a disease typically characterized by bone deformities. Low levels of this vitamin can increase the risk of osteomalacia in adults.

Osteomalacia is a disease characterized by weakness in muscles and bones. Weakness, pain and thinning of bones, pain in muscles and joints and backache are some of the common symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin D in adults. Women suffering from this vitamin deficiency may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight gain or chronic pain. They are also at a greater risk of suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis and other bone disorders. Pregnant women need to be very careful about their dietary habits. A severe deficiency can cause a bone deformity in the baby.

If blood tests indicate low vitamin D levels in blood during pregnancy, doctors prescribe consumption of foods fortified with this vitamin or may recommend vitamin supplements. This is to make sure that your baby's bones are strong. Musculoskeletal pain, periodontal diseases, skin pigmentation, hypertension, thyroid disorders, loss of appetite, vision problems and inflammatory bowel disease can also be caused due to low levels of vitamin D. Low levels of this vitamin could also adversely affect the production of insulin in the body, making one prone to type 2 diabetes. As this vitamin also affects the working of our nervous system, a deficiency can cause psychological problems.

Do step out on a sunny day to let your body naturally synthesize this vitamin. You must also include foods rich in this vitamin or foods fortified with this vitamin to your diet. For those who suffer from a severe deficiency, taking vitamin supplements will greatly help.