Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. It is good for growth and development as well as for building up of strong bones. Our body can prepare its own vitamin D. When we are exposed to sunlight, then its ultraviolet light helps our skin to prepare the vitamin D needed for normal functioning of the body. The dietary sources of this vitamin are cheese, milk, egg, fish, mushrooms but the vitamin D content in them is quite low. Vitamin D deficiency can make us susceptible to various types of diseases.

Causes
There are several factors that can contribute towards such a vitamin deficiency. People who are not exposed to sunlight much, may get this deficiency. It includes those who mostly stay indoors or cover up their entire body while going out. People who have pigmented skin like those who are of Asian origin are at a higher risk of developing deficiency of vitamin D. The skin of elderly people grows thin with aging that makes it difficult for them to prepare sufficient vitamin D. Small children require additional amount of vitamins for growth. Pregnant women and lactating mothers also need extra vitamin D. If they do not get it, then it gives rise to deficiency. Other causes are some underlying health problems like Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, certain kinds of liver and kidney diseases and side effects of some medicines.

Symptoms
Deficiency of vitamin D in babies and children often adversely affects their growth and development. In small babies, who are of one year or less, the symptoms are poor growth, frequent muscle spasms, no interest in walking, delay in teething, seizures. In children, it can be identified with a condition of soft, curved leg bones which is also known as rickets. Besides soft bones, lack of growth in height, irritably, frequent infections, etc., are the other symptoms. Breathing difficulty is experienced in serious cases of vitamin D deficiency due to weakness in chest muscles and ribcage. In most adults, fatigue and vitamin D deficiency are inter-related to each other. It is often accompanied by weakness and pain in the bones and muscles. This kind of deficiency often makes the bones susceptible to fractures. In worst condition, it may affect their body movements and make it difficult to stand up. High blood pressure, periodontal disease, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, etc., are the other symptoms in adults that are most common.

Treatment
Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed with the help of symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and blood test of the patient. Doctors prescribe oral vitamin supplements which are available in the form of liquid or tablets. The supplement could be of daily dose or weekly dose or monthly dose. The recommended strength of the supplements is often different in every individual cases and depends on the age and health condition of the patients. Doctors often suggest about 1000 IU per day to keep the patient in healthy condition. In some adults, the requirement could be as high as 50,000 IU. In small children, higher dose is given so that their condition improves quickly and do not affect their growth and development. The medicine should be taken as per the instructions of the doctor. It should neither be less nor more than the recommended dose. The treatment should be continued until the normal levels of vitamin D are restored in the body. Usually, stronger dose of the oral supplement should be taken for 8 to 12 weeks but lower dose may be required for up to 6 to 12 months. In some patients, vitamin D is administered through injections. One or two such shots can have a lasting effect for as long as 6 months.

There are two sources of vitamin D. One is the dietary sources and the other is natural source or the sun. To prevent deficiency, one must stay outside in the sun for around 15 minutes daily. Those who have dark skin should get 25 minutes of sun exposure. Besides, vitamin D-rich foods like cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, sardines, fortified milk, margarine, etc., should be taken in right proportion.