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), with minimal hormonal effect. 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 (in the skin as it is exposed to the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight), is known 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 phosphate levels in the blood. This vitamin is responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphate 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. It is also believed to be useful in reducing inflammation and in promoting neuromuscular functions. Vitamin D deficiency is said to increase the risk of various health problems, including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, etc. If you are interested in knowing more about the condition and symptoms of low vitamin D levels, scroll down.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin D is said to be one among the most underestimated health problems in the world. According to vitamin D council, almost fifty percent of the world population suffers from this condition, which is often not diagnosed in the early stages. As stated above, vitamin D is derived by the body through the skin (that is exposed to sunlight) or from food. Very few food items have vitamin D and this include eggs, dairy products, fatty fish, beef liver, etc. The vitamin D that is made or absorbed by the body is inactive, till it gets activated through hydroxylations that take place in two different organs - kidney and liver. The liver transforms vitamin D to 25-hydroxy vitamin D or calcidiol, which in turn is converted to 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D or calcitriol by the kidneys.

If you are a vegetarian, who doesn't like sun exposure and avoid intake of dairy products (due to any reason, like allergies), then there are chances that you develop vitamin D deficiency. Those with dark skin are more prone to this condition, as their skin is less efficient in making this vitamin, through sunlight exposure. Another condition that makes you prone to low levels of vitamin D is kidney and digestive problems. Some problems of the digestive tract hampers with vitamin D absorption from food. Elderly people, infants and pregnant as well as lactating women are in the risk group.

Low Vitamin D Levels - Diagnosis

Vitamin D deficiency is often not diagnosed, till the condition gets severe. Diagnosis of low vitamin D levels is done through 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. This test is helpful in determining the serum concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. The results indicate the amount of vitamin D derived by the body, either through the diet or through sunlight exposure. Levels of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D is not checked because it has a very short half life as compared to 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D. Apart from that, no significant changes in the levels of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D can be detected, till the body develops severe vitamin D deficiency. There is no universal consensus with regard to normal levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. However, there are some guidelines, as per which the vitamin D level in a normal healthy person is above 37.5 nmol/L (15ng/ml).

Below 25 nmol/L (10 ng/mL), vitamin D levels indicate severe deficiency. However, vitamin D level above 500 nmol/L (200 ng/mL) is classified as toxic and this condition is very rare in humans. Such toxicity may cause symptoms, like, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hypertension, kidney and liver failure and even death. According to some health experts these parameters are outdated and the normal levels should be increased to 50 nmol/L (125ng/ml). This would further escalate the number of those with low vitamin D levels. Now that you have a basic idea about this condition, let us take a look at some of the common symptoms of low vitamin D levels.

Symptoms of Low Vitamin D Levels

As mentioned above, low vitamin D levels in the blood can lead to certain diseases and disorders. It has been observed that symptoms of low vitamin D level may not be significant to get noticed during the early stages itself. In most cases, this condition is detected when it gets severe and reversing it at that stage may be difficult. As most of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency mimic other health problems, it may be left undetected for a long time. The following are some of the symptoms that are associated with 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, hearing loss, low calcium levels and resultant weaker bones that are susceptible to fractures.
• This vitamin deficiency may lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Kids with rickets are often found to have soft bones in the legs and the skull. Most of the affected kids have curved legs.
• Children with low vitamin D levels may also develop muscle cramps, seizures and breathing problems. Emergence of milk tooth may be delayed in them. Other symptoms of low vitamin D levels in kids include irritability and depression. In some rare cases, heart problems, like cardiomyopathy may also develop.
• Adults with osteomalacia develop weakness and bone pain, especially in ribs, hips, pelvis, thighs and feet. They may find it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Most of them are found to have an unsteady walking pattern. In the long run, low vitamin D levels can contribute to the development of osteoporosis in adults.
• It has been observed that the most common symptom 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 can also get affected by vitamin D deficiency, 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 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. Such supplements are administered in the form of injection, tablets as well as liquid medicine. If the condition is caused by any other disease or disorder, treatment should be taken to cure that disease. Supplementation is done as per individual requirement only. However care must be taken to inform your doctor about your current medical conditions as well as medication. This is mainly applicable for those with certain types of cancer, kidney and liver diseases, hormonal conditions, etc. It is always better to check for vitamin D deficiency, if you are experiencing symptoms of the condition or if you belong to any of the risk groups.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.