The Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency In The Diet

Vitamin D is an important substance that helps the body absorb calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and balance its use of calcium and phosphate, explains the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. This vitamin contributes to proper development and maintenance of bones, protecting against rickets in childhood and osteomalacia in adulthood. It also regulates electrolyte balance; vitamin D deficiency can cause low serum calcium levels--a condition known as hypocalcemia. Consult with your health care provider if you think you may have vitamin D deficiency.

Bone Pain

Widespread pain in the bones, especially those of the back and legs, may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. MedLine Plus explains that bone pain is a feature seen with osteomalacia--a softening of the bones caused by calcium depletion. The Mayo Clinic adds that bone pain is often seen in children who have rickets; this disease results in abnormal bone development during childhood, causing deformities that may require corrective surgery.

Fractures and Deformities

The Mayo Clinic explains that children who have a vitamin D deficiency leading to rickets exhibit fragile bones that fracture easily or fail to develop normally. Often, skeletal growth is impaired and dental problems arise due to defective formation of teeth and tooth enamel. MedLine Plus explains that people with osteomalacia also have bones that fracture easily.

Muscle Weakness

Calcium is used by muscle cells to contract when we move our bodies, explains the book "Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function." Vitamin D deficiency can cause the body to absorb less calcium, leaving less of the mineral available for use by muscle cells. MedLine Plus explains that abnormal calcium levels in the blood stream can cause the heart to beat irregularly and the muscles of the hands and feet to spasm.

Numbness

MedLine Plus says that low serum calcium levels, which may be attributable to vitamin D deficiency, can cause parts of the body to feel numb or tingly. This effect is most often felt in the arms, legs and area surrounding the mouth.