According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D is found in dairy products such as eggs, cheese and fortified milk, as well as in fish and beef liver. Vitamin D is important because it helps the body to absorb calcium and contributes to the balance of electrolytes by regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood stream, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. A long-term vitamin D deficiency can result in serious complications.
Bone Abnormalities
Vitamin D deficiency may prevent the bones from storing the proper amounts of calcium, explains the Office of Dietary Supplements. In children, inadequate calcium deposits in developing bones can result in skeletal deformities and growth impairment; MayoClinic.com explains that this condition is known as rickets. Adults may also experience bone abnormalities caused by vitamin D deficiency; MedlinePlus explains that osteomalacia is an abnormal softening of the bones seen in adults with vitamin D deficiency. Inadequate calcium in bones increases the risk of fracture.
Neurological Problems
Vitamin D is crucial for helping the body to absorb calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, explains the Merck Manual Home Edition. If calcium is not properly absorbed and balanced in the body, the level of calcium in the blood can become too low; this condition is called hypocalcemia. The first signs of this disorder include neurological symptoms such as loss of memory, confusion and hallucinations.
Pain, Tingling and Numbness
Conditions such as osteomalacia and rickets are often accompanied by pain in the bones and muscles, explains MayoClinic.com. In addition, these conditions cause weakness that impairs mobility. The Merck Manual Home Edition explains that low calcium levels in the blood, hypocalcemia, causes muscle spasms and tingling and/or numbness in the arms, legs and face.
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