What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D, similar to all the other vitamins, is an essential vitamin required for proper development and growth of bones in body. In case of adults, it is essential to keep the bones strong and prevent them from being porous. Therefore, if vitamin D is deficient in the body, one suffers from disorders related to the bones. Vitamin deficiency can be seen in people of any age group.

Vitamin D Deficiency Causes

Before knowing about the causes of deficiency of vitamin D, we should be aware of the sources of it. Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin as it is synthesized in the body when exposed to sunlight. Secondly, it is obtained from a variety of food sources like fish, eggs, milk, etc. Therefore, if a person abstains from getting exposed to sunlight or has a diet that lacks these foods, he is bound to suffer from D vitamin deficiency. People living in cold countries do not have daily exposure to sunlight. Similarly, wearing sunscreen can also obstruct the production of vitamin D in the body. Secondly, as most of the vitamin D sources are non-vegetarian or obtained from animal sources, people who follow a strict vegetarian diet have high chances of suffering from deficiency of vitamin D. On the other hand, if you are wondering what causes low vitamin D levels, then sometimes, improper functioning of the kidney or certain diseases like the Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can obstruct the absorption of vitamin D, leading to deficiencies. In women over 50 years of age, obesity, constant use of sunscreen, etc, are the major causes of this deficiency. Similarly, in men, along with aging, obesity, having darker skin tone, etc. are also the contributing factors.

As mentioned above, rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia are the vitamin D deficiency diseases observed in adults and children. Symptoms of this condition include bone pain, muscle cramping and weakness, dental deformities, impaired growth (in children), pain in lower back, mood swings, etc. Deficiency of this vitamin also increases the risk of fractures in people. The facts and symptoms of low vitamin D also suggest that this deficiency can increase the risk of certain types of cancer in men and women.

Treating Deficiency

If one observes symptoms of low vitamin D levels, one should consult the doctor and undertake tests to diagnose the deficiency disease. Deficiency can be treated with the help of having vitamin D rich foods or supplements. Foods high in vitamin D include cod liver oil, herring, salmon, catfish, mackerel, sardines, tuna, eggs, milk, fortified cereals and juice. However, in case of severe deficiency, vitamin D supplements are prescribed to people. Treatment also includes exposure to sunlight everyday, taking medications, like multivitamins, etc. Prevention of deficiency of vitamin D is also possible with similar methods. In case one lives in cold countries, is a pure vegetarian, etc., he should consult the doctor and go for vitamin D supplements only under supervision.

Now that you know the causes of vitamin D deficiency, you can follow methods to prevent it. You should remember that following a proper and healthy diet with vitamin D rich foods can help in prevention of this deficiency. Lastly, if the symptoms are observed, do not forget to consult the doctor immediately. Take care!