Rickets, a condition that occurs in children, is caused by a Vitamin D deficiency where the bones are weak, too soft, and bow under pressure. In adults this condition is called osteomalacia. Deficiencies can also lead to thinning of the bone and is called osteoporosis.
Many studies suggest Vitamin D deficiencies can also be linked to more serious diseases such as in Dr. Delong’s Parkinson’s disease study at the Emory University School of Medicine; and at the Mayo Clinic’s study linking Vitamin D deficiency with certain autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Those at Risk
There are several groups more at risk than others for developing deficiencies:
- The elderly are at risk due to the inability to synthesize the vitamin.
- Breast fed only infants.
- Individuals with more pigment (melanin) than others as it acts as a natural sunscreen.
Lastly, sun exposure is the trigger to Vitamin D production, and will vary depending on several factors: age, geographical location, season, and time of day. The amount of sun exposure is minimal, about 10-15 minutes per day, three times per week to the face, arms, and hands. However, there are many regions in our country where adequate sun exposure is limited, putting many at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. For example, in Boston, Massachusetts, adequate sun exposure is found only during the months of March through October.
Proper Dosing
There are very few dietary sources that actually contain enough Vitamin D. The most nutrient-dense sources would be fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and eel, eggs, and fortified milk. Hence supplementation with oral Vitamin D is most often prescribed.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D supplementation in individuals:
- under age 50 should take 200 IU/day
- 51-70 should take 400 IU/day
- over the age of 70 should take 600 IU/day
Signs of Toxicity
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and mega-dosing should be avoided. Individuals who experience any of the following symptoms should discontinue use and contact their physician immediately.
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle or bone pain
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
Contraindications of Use
Vitamin D should not be taken if one is allergic to ergocalciferol or any Vitamin D derivative. A common over-the-counter remedy, mineral oil, when taken in close proximity with Vitamin D will interfere with its absorption.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with the following conditions (this is not an all-inclusive list) should refrain from taking Vitamin D supplements:
- hypercalcemia
- hyperphosphatemia
- malabsorption syndrome
- kidney or liver disease
- epilepsy
- Sarcoidosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
Vitamin D should not be taken with certain medications as it can potentiate or deactivate the medicinal benefits of the drug:
- Antacids containing magnesium
- Cardiac glycosides
- Cholestyramine
- Colestipol
- Corticosteroids
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Thiazide diuretics
- Verapamil
In conclusion, the preliminary findings on Vitamin D have been encouraging. However, remedies, no matter what their form, can only benefit when used responsibly. This includes understanding how the remedy works, appreciating its limitations, and partnering with a health care provider in developing a plan of care specific to one’s health goals.
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