Research suggests that the majority of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin both synthesized by the skin and absorbed from food. If a person has reduced exposure to the sun, does not eat enough food which contains vitamin D, or an impaired ability to absorb vitamin D, however, a deficiency can occur. A serious vitamin D deficiency presents itself through symptoms observed mainly in the bones.
Rickets
Rickets is the result of a serious vitamin D deficiency in children. The vitamin D deficiency causes the bones to soften and weaken due to a failure in the ability of the bones to mineralize. The symptoms of rickets include bowed legs, curved spine, dental problems, deformities in the pelvis and breastbone, short stature, and muscle weakness. Children may also complain of pain or tenderness in the legs, pelvis, or spine and be more prone to fractures. If rickets is suspected, tests are conducted to assess for an underlying disorder impairing vitamin D absorption and is treated accordingly. If none is found, then vitamin D supplementation as well as consumption of vitamin D-fortified foods is generally recommended. According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms usually improve with treatment within three months. Severe skeletal problems may require corrective braces or surgery.
Osteomalacia
A severe vitamin D deficiency in adults causes the development of osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is an abnormality in the bone making process. It also results in softening of the bones. This softening makes the bones more susceptible to fractures and bowing. The symptoms of osteomalacia in adults are bone pain and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. The bone pain generally affects the spine, pelvis, and legs. The muscle weakness is likely to cause a waddling gait, difficulty walking around, and decreased muscle tone. The course of treatment involves administering vitamin D as well as treating any underlying cause of the deficiency, such as a kidney or liver disease interfering with absorption.
Osteoporosis
Although osteoporosis is generally associated with low calcium, a deficiency in vitamin D can contribute to the disease process as well. Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone," is a disease that causes bones to become thinner, porous and more fragile. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium which is needed to build strong bones. Therefore, a vitamin D deficiency will render the body unable to properly utilize available calcium which contributes to osteoporosis. An international study published in the "Journal of Internal Medicine" demonstrated that 64 percent of the post-menopausal women with osteoporosis who participated had low levels of vitamin D. The International Osteoporosis Foundation increased its daily recommendations of vitamin D for persons 60 and older based on research suggesting vitamin D supplementation can help prevent fractures.
Member Comments