Low Vitamin D Side Effects

Vitamin D is one of the most important in class of vitamins that are crucial for holistic growth of body and mind. With its help, the body is able to strengthen bones and teeth. It helps in absorption of calcium and hence benefits bones. People who're suffering from its deficiency are advised to take calcium supplements and diets rich in calcium.

Side Effects
Low vitamin D is linked to several side effects. Notably, diabetes, erratic blood pressure, lung cancer, bone diseases (osteoporosis, arthritis etc.)

Weaker Bones
Vitamin D directly affects the strength of bones making them weak. This is due to the reason that it facilitates absorption of two important minerals in the body viz., calcium and phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus, as we all know, are required in our body for maintaining healthy bones. Its deficiency invariably leads to poor absorption of calcium and phosphorus and hence bones become weaker. Its low levels lead to brittle bones and increases the risk of bone fracture (even due to minor injuries). In children, rickets is the most common deficiency disease that affects their health. In adults, chronic diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteomalacia (softening of bones) and several other bone disorders. Owing to these facts, women and men after 40 years of age are generally advised to look after their intake of this vitamin carefully, as its poor levels in the body increases the risk of aforementioned bone diseases.

Hypertension
Studies have proved that low levels of vitamin D makes people more vulnerable to high blood pressure than people with higher levels. However, owing to several theories and results, it is only a mixed result. Nevertheless, its low amount may lead to changes in blood pressure. Hence, people with lack of vitamin D must go for medical check ups and seek advise on vitamin D intake so that any possibility of harm is eliminated.

Parathyroid Hormone Problems
Parathyroid glands in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone are used for absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

Immunity Problems
Vitamin D helps in regulation of our immune system. Calcitriol, an important form of vitamin D and helps in immune system maintenance.

Diabetes
Not many of us know that vitamin D helps in insulin production and cell functioning thereby maintaining proper blood sugar level. In case there is a deficiency in the body, this equilibrium is affected and hence risk of diabetes increases.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a form of depression that occurs to people in winters due to lack of sunlight. Generally, taking vitamin D supplements is touted to be a cure for SAD. However, no exact findings on effectiveness of supplements of this vitamin has been established. Moreover, it helps in functioning of neurotransmitters and hence its low quantity in the body leads to poor coordination among brain cells, a research suggests. Visit a medical expert to seek prescriptions in this disorder.

It has to be understood that low vitamin D has severe side effects hence increasing its intake in diets is necessary. Some foods with vitamin D include fish, liver oils, dairy products, eggs, saltwater fish etc. Daily exposure to sunlight for at least 20 minutes is essential for people who've got lack of vitamin D.