Symptoms of Low Vitamin D Levels

It was during the early years of the twentieth century that researchers found that the disease that affects bone development in children could be prevented by using a compound in cod liver oil. They termed this compound as 'fat-soluble factor D', which later came to be known as vitamin D. This vitamin is otherwise known as 'calciferol', owing to its ability to boost the calcium deposits in the bones. Vitamin D is a group of prohormones - a precursor to a hormone, usually having minimal hormonal effect by itself. The two major forms of vitamin D which are vital for the human body are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. The former, which is synthesized by plants is otherwise known as ergocalciferol, and the latter, synthesized by the human body, is known as as cholecalciferol.

Functions of Vitamin D
One of the major biologic functions of vitamin D is to control and maintain the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood. This vitamin is responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorous from the food in the intestines. It also enables the kidneys to reabsorb calcium, which in turn facilitates the normal mineralization of the bones. Vitamin D is vital for bone growth too. This vitamin is also beneficial in invigorating the immune system and for normal cellular growth and function. Low vitamin D levels in the blood can lead to many diseases.

Symptoms of Low Vitamin D Levels
Insufficient Vitamin D levels occur due to various reasons. It may be due to a diet, which is very low in this vitamin, along with inadequate exposure to sunlight. Another reason for low vitamin D levels is the body's inability to absorb this vitamin, owing to some medical conditions, diseases and disorders. Conditions like liver and kidney disorders can prevent the conversion of vitamin D to its active metabolites. Some hereditary disorders can also hinder this conversion process. However, low vitamin D levels in the blood can lead to some diseases. The following are the symptoms of low vitamin D levels.

• Vitamin D deficiency can exist in two forms. One is the mild form, characterized by mild symptoms like loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, insomnia, vision problems, and burning sensation in the mouth and the throat.
• Severe vitamin D deficiency can develop symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, depression, low immunity, weaker bones susceptible to fractures. This condition can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It is also suggested by researchers that low vitamin D levels can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
• It has been observed that the most common symptoms of low vitamin D levels is musculoskeletal pain, which is felt as a deep throbbing in the limbs. Another apparent symptom is dental problems, including periodontal diseases, caused by insufficient supply of calcium to the teeth.
• Those who have vitamin D deficiency are also believed to have the additional risk of developing some types of cancer like breast, colon and ovarian cancer.
• As the immune system is also affected by a low level of vitamin D, there are chances of contracting a number of other diseases. With a weak immune system the overall health can be affected.

It is always better to prevent the occurrence of this condition by adopting a diet containing high sources of vitamin D. If you are affected with this condition, it is also necessary to rule out the chances of some diseases and disorders which can cause this deficiency. If there is no such problem, then dietary supplements can be taken. If the condition is caused by any other disease or disorder, treatment should be taken to cure that disease.