Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

It seems like everyday we learn more and more about the health benefits of vitamin D.  Vitamin D is really a hormone and a hormone is a chemical that is made in one part of the body and exported to other parts of the body where it controls and regulates certain cells and organs.  Though vitamin D can be obtained in the diet it is also made in the skin in response to sun exposure.  Vitamin D exerts effects throughout the body, and therefore vitamin D deficiency symptoms are many.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

There are many reasons why someone might be vitamin D deficient.  Some vitamin D is obtained through the diet and anything that interferes with absorption of vitamin D from the gastrointestinal tract can lead to vitamin D deficiency.  Also certain drugs like antacids and cholesterol lowering drugs can reduce vitamin D absorption.  Since vitamin D is also made in the skin, limited sun exposure will have lower vitamin D levels.  In addition, the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D decreases after the age of 50 or so. Also, vitamin D needs to be converted into an active form requiring a healthy liver and kidneys so disorders of the liver and/or kidneys can lead to vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms and Signs

•  In children vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets where the bones become soft and bend leading to a host of orthopedic problems.
• Adult bones can become soft in the presence of vitamin D deficiency also know as osteomalacia.
• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with bone and muscle pain.
• In older adults vitamin D deficiency contributes to the development of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Vitamin D deficiency is now associated with decreased insulin sensitivity contributing to poor blood sugar control.
• Depression is linked to insulin resistance associated with vitamin deficiency.
• Optimal level of vitamin enhances immune system function reducing the risk of some cancers.
• Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with vitamin D deficiency.
• Low vitamin D is linked to multiple sclerosis which is more common in more temperate climates (less sun light).

Best Sources of Vitamin D

The best source of vitamin D is the sun.  Usually ten to fifteen minutes of bright sunlight will be enough to improve vitamin D synthesis without increasing the risk of skin cancer.  Vitamin D is not found naturally in too many foods, but those that are rich in it include mackerel, salmon, sardine, shrimp, cod, halibut, tuna, alfalfa, liver, egg yolk, sweet potatoes and vitamin D fortified cereals and milk.  So be sure to regularily consume these vitamin D foods.

Optimal Vitamin D Levels

Though vitamin D levels above 30 nanomoles/liter have been traditionally considered normal there is increasing evidence that levels above 60 nanomoles/liter are more optimal and help to prevent cancer.  The nice thing is vitamin D levels are easy to measure taking the guessing out of how much vitamin D supplement one should take.  It’s simple – take enough vitamin D to get levels in the 60 nanomole/liter range.

See related articles.

“Can You Get Too Much Vitamin D?”

“What Foods are High in Vitamin D?”

“Stop Weight Gain with Green Tea”

“Are You Vitamin D Deficient?”

“Branched Chain Amino Acids May Increase Longevity”