Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in several food sources such as fish, eggs and fortified milk. However, vitamin D can also be received via sunlight. In fact, vitamin D is commonly referred to as the sunshine vitamin. MedlinePlus says researchers believe people exposed to sunlight three days or more a week, for approximately 10 minutes at a time, can prevent vitamin D deficiencies, which cause bone to lose mineral content, resulting in bone pain, muscle weakness and osteomalacia, or softening of the bones, according to MayoClinic.com.
Function
Vitamin D's most important biological function is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. MayoClinic.com says vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, which helps form and maintain strong bones. When blood levels of calcium and phosphorus become too low, the body releases hormones that cause these minerals to be released from bones, eventually leading to weak and soft bones, according to MedlinePlus. Researchers believe vitamin D also provides protection against osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer and several autoimmune diseases.
Dietary Recommendations
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends different dietary intakes of vitamin D throughout adulthood. MedlinePlus says the elderly should consume more vitamin D than younger adults to maintain bone health and prevent fractures. The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following: Males and females ages 14 to 50 should take 5 micrograms per day, those 51 to 70 should take 10 mcg per day, and those over 70 should take more than 15 mcg per day.
Risk Factors
Specific populations such as the elderly, obese and those with limited sun exposure are at high risk for vitamin D deficiencies, according to MayoClinic.com. Cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease also puts people at greater risk for vitamin D deficiencies due to vitamin and mineral absorption problems. The thick mucus cystic fibrosis produces obstructs the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the intestines, and without digestive enzymes, the body is unable to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Patients with Crohn's disease suffer from malnutrition due to diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, making it difficult for them to eat and for the intestines to absorb enough nutrients, especially vitamin D.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a reversible condition that is commonly referred to as the adult version of rickets, according to MedlinePlus. Individuals with osteomalacia develop soft bones that are more likely to fracture or break than harder, healthy bones, according to MayoClinic.com. Breaks usually associated with osteomalacia occur in the ribs, spine and legs. Osteomalacia can be cured by replenishing low levels of vitamin D and calcium, as well as treating any other underlying disorders that may be contributing to the deficiency.
Diagnosis
Physicians detect vitamin D deficiencies during physical exams. If they feel tenderness around bones, they will ask patients if they are experiencing bone pain. To confirm vitamin D deficiencies, doctors commonly order one or more of the following tests: blood test, bone biopsy, bone X-ray, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum phosphorus. If needed, additional procedures may be conducted, such as alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme, calcium ionized, PTH and urine calcium.
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