Vitamin D Deficiency: Facts and Symptoms of Low Vitamin D

Vitamin D (claciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, found in the sun rays, as well as food sources such as egg yolk, milk, fish oil and other vegetables. In the process of metabolism, vitamin D performs the major function of maintaining the normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. It enhances calcium absorption by the bones and teeth, resulting in strong bones and teeth. Let's take a look at the quick facts about vitamin D.

Quick Facts About Vitamin D

• Vitamin D, in its natural form, has no significant role in the metabolism process, rather it is a metabolic product (calcitriol) that performs the major function. Vitamin D is converted into calcitriol in two steps, the first in the liver and the second in the kidney.
• Calcitriol (bioactive vitamin D) is a class of steroid hormone, responsible for targeting almost 10 percent genes (about 2000 genes) of the total genomic content in the human body. Calcitriol also regulates the mineral metabolism in the body.
• There are many forms of vitamin D, of which vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are most essential in our body system.
• Ergocalciferol is produced by the plants; whereas, cholecalciferol is synthesized in the skin after exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays). Food supplements may contain any of the forms of vitamin D, or at times both.
• For those who are not regularly exposed to sunlight, a vitamin D supplement of 5000 units per day is necessary, which accounts for 50 milk glasses and 10 multivitamin tablets daily.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms of Low Vitamin D

The daily recommendation of vitamin D for normal functioning of the body is 200 units (IU). An individual, when exposed to 20-30 minutes in the summer sun, may synthesize about 20,000 IU of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency may be caused due to certain factors like inadequate exposure to sunlight, liver and kidney disease and genetic defect that lead to vitamin D resistance. Elderly as well as obese people are more susceptible to the diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency. Following symptoms are observed due to vitamin D deficiency:

• Rickets, a bone-wasting disease, is a major ailment among children, caused due to deficiency of vitamin D. A child suffering from rickets has low density bone mass that cannot support his/her body weight.
• In adults, vitamin D deficiency causes osteomalacia. The major symptom of osteomalacia is soft bones.
• A deficiency of vitamin D hampers the calcium absorption by the bones, which in turn causes osteoporosis. Patients of osteoporosis lose bone mass, resulting in brittle bones. In general, calcium treatment is administered for treating this ailment.
• Chronic vitamin D deficiency causes pain, muscle fatigue and body aches; it can also lead to schizophrenia.

Recent researches have revealed that vitamin D protects the body against certain chronic ailments such as chronic pain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, cancer, osteoporosis and other immune system related diseases. Use of sunscreens with SPF (sun protection factor) 8 or more can block the UVB rays, thus preventing vitamin D production.

People with dark complexion and those with limited sun exposure should consume adequate amount of vitamin D rich diets in order to prevent the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Always consult a qualified physician regarding the doses, as over intake of vitamin D supplements can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea, organ damage and mood changes. It is to be noted that over-exposure to sunlight does not cause toxicity of vitamin D, as the human body generates a specific amount of vitamin D, required for the metabolism.