Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency

The Symptoms and Treatment

Aug 22, 2009

Vitamin D is necessary for proper nutrition. When the body doesn't get enough, it can cause serious health problems.

A deficiency of Vitamin D is dangerous and can cause many permanent health problems. The body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium. When there is a lack of vitamin D and calcium in the body, it may lead to severe bone problems.

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

There are many causes of vitamin D deficiency. Lack of exposure to sunlight is the most common reason for a vitamin D deficiency. There are two types of vitamin D deficiency, rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults.

Rickets

Rickets is a disorder caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D in children. Children with rickets may have soft or weak bones. Rickets is rare in the United States. It most often occurs in climates with little to no sunlight and in those who don't drink milk. Children with dark skin or those who wear sunblock all the time are more likely to develop rickets. In some cases, the disease may be inherited.

Children who have rickets often have stunted growth and bone deformities. To diagnose rickets, a bone scan and vitamin D test must be performed. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, vitamin D and calcium supplements are used to treat it.

To prevent rickets, children should eat foods high in calcium and get plenty of exposure to sunlight. Children that are exclusively breastfed, or those who ingest less than 16 ounces of formula per day should take vitamin D supplements.

Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a form of rickets in adults. It most often occurs in the legs, pelvis and spine and causes dull, aching pain. Muscle weakness is another common sign of the disease. In the most severe cases, it can cause problems with walking.

Adults with a vitamin D deficiency often have other chronic health problems. People who have had gastrectomies and people with celiac disease often develop it, due to the body's inability to absorb nutrients. Those with kidney and liver disease may also have a problem with absorbing vitamin D in their body. Some seizure medication can interfere with absorption of vitamin D.

Osteomalacia sufferers are more likely to develop broken bones, usually in the legs and spine. The elderly and those who are bed bound are especially susceptible to the disease and should make sure to get plenty of vitamin D.

Osteomalacia is diagnosed with bone biopsies, x-rays and blood and urine tests. As with rickets, it is treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Preventing vitamin D deficiency is simple. Getting plenty of sunlight, eating foods fortified with vitamin D and taking vitamin supplements will reduce the risk of developing a deficiency of vitamin D.

The copyright of the article Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency in Vitamins & Minerals is owned by Karel Kinnett. Permission to republish Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.