This blog will educate you on vitamin D optimal, high and low levels. It will also elaborate some causes and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
A fat-soluble vitamin, the vitamin can help your body to absorb phosphorus and calcium. Vitamin D can benefit in several ways including
- By supporting the immune system
- By promoting bone health
- By regulating mood.
What is Vitamin D Deficiency?
A medical condition in which your vitamin D levels lack sufficient levels is known as Vitamin D deficiency. This condition often leads to health issues including brittle bones and muscle weakness. If a person develops severe deficiency, they become unable to absorb dietary calcium as well. This is the reason why it is important to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Below given table will help you understand the normal range of vitamin D levels:
|
Range |
Is it sufficient? |
Effect on the Body |
|
More than 125 nmol/L or 50 ng/mL |
Very high |
Health issues might be caused |
|
50 nmol/L or 20 ng/mL and above |
Appropriate |
Good bone and overall health is maintained. |
|
Less than 30 nmol/L or 12 ng/mL |
Very low |
Bones and overall health might get weakened. |
What Are the Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Some of the common causes of Vitamin D deficiency are:
-
Limited sun exposure
Ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight helps produce vitamin D. if someone resides in a place where long winters are there or if someone spends limited time in sunlight, they might not have adequate vitamin D levels due to lack of UV radiation.
-
Dark skin
Darker skin individuals often have more melanin. Melanin reduces skin’s ability to form vitamin D using sunlight. Such people often require more sun exposure to keep sufficient vitamin D levels.
-
Dietary intake
Low intake of vitamin D-rich food can cause vitamin D deficiency. Certain foods including fatty fish, fortified products, and egg yolks contain vitamin D. If you do not include these in your diet, you might have lower vitamin D levels.
-
Kidney or liver problems
The activation of vitamin D happens in the liver and kidneys so as to make it usable by the body. In certain kidney or liver diseases, this process can be hindered, leading to a deficiency of vitamin D.
-
Medications
Certain medications including glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, antifungal, and weight loss drugs can interfere with the metabolism and absorption of vitamin D.
What are Vitamin D Deficiency Diseases?
Various health diseases and conditions can be aggravated by Vitamin D deficiency. Some such diseases which are caused by deficiency of vitamin D are:
- High blood pressure
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Immune system disorders
- Infections
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Various health issues can be caused due to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, you should keep monitoring any symptoms of vitamin D deficiency for its early treatment. Some symptoms and signs of vitamin D deficiency:
-
Fatigue
Vitamin D deficiency might cause energy deficiency, leading to feelings of fatigue and tiredness constantly.
-
Bone and Muscle Pain
Calcium absorption is facilitated by optimal levels of vitamin D. Calcium is an essential element that is needed for bone and muscle strength. Vitamin D deficiency causes decreased calcium levels leading to pains and aches in the muscles and bones.
-
Frequent Illness
The immune system working is maintained by adequate levels of vitamin D levels as well. So, vitamin D deficiency can cause a weakened response of immune response, making the affected more prone to developing infections and illnesses.
-
Depression or Feelings of Sadness
Serotonin production is affected by low vitamin D levels, which regulates mood. The deficiency may cause feelings of depression and sadness.
-
Hair Thinning
Hair follicles are maintained by optimal levels of vitamin D. its deficiency can cause hair loss or thinning.
-
Impaired Wound Healing
Skin health and collagen production is often maintained by Vitamin D. collagen is important for wound healing. Low levels of vitamin D slow down the healing process.
-
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is often associated with vitamin D deficiency. Performing day-to-day tasks get difficult. Engaging self in physical activities without feeling tired quickly becomes difficult too.
-
Bone Health Issues
Bones get weakened by deficiency of vitamin D which decreases the absorption of calcium absorption. This situation might lead to osteoporosis sometimes. This disease is characterised by fragile and brittle bones that get fractured more easily.
-
Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders can also be caused by Vitamin D deficiency. Sleep difficulties, nocturnal awakenings and shorter sleep duration can result in children and adults.
-
Digestive Problems
Inadequate vitamin D absorption can cause digestive tract problems. These might include constipation, chronic gas, IBS- irritable bowel syndrome and bloating.
Conclusion
Monitoring your health for signs of vitamin D deficiency and checking for its causes is also essential to maintain good overall health. If you are having any symptoms that signify the presence of vitamin D deficiency, you must consider taking a consultation with a doctor and get a vitamin D test.
