Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin known as the "sunshine vitamin" because ultraviolet light is necessary for its synthesis. With this, the most common cause of deficiency is lack of exposure to sunlight, but certain disorders can also cause the deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency in children is termed rickets, and deficiency in adults is called osteomalacia. According to "The Merck Manual Home Edition," vitamin D is metabolized by the liver and kidneys into an active form called calcitriol, which promotes absorption of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. Supplementation is a common treatment for older individuals at risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.
Step 1
See your doctor if you suspect you are deficient in vitamin D. Blood tests are used to measure vitamin D, and X-rays may also be taken to check the appearance and health of bones. Also, your doctor may check for certain kidney and liver disorders. "The Merck Manual Home Edition" notes that individuals with chronic kidney or liver disorders may not be able to convert vitamin D to an active form and may require special formulations of vitamin D supplements.
Step 2
Get plenty of healthy sun exposure."Total Nutrition: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need" recommends 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to midday sun two or three times a week to meet vitamin D requirements. However, elderly individuals require up to 30 minutes because they have less ability to synthesize the vitamin through the skin.
Step 3
Increase your intake of vitamin D-fortified foods. Mayo Clinic recommends consuming more fortified breakfast cereals, orange juice, fish and processed milk. Many multivitamins contain little or no vitamin D, so most people need to take supplements or purchase fortified products.
Step 4
Monitor your levels of calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. In vitamin D deficiency, calcium and phosphate levels in the blood decrease because vitamin D is necessary for absorption of these minerals. Older adults who need 1,000 to 2,000 IU or more daily need to have periodic blood tests. If found to be deficient in calcium, your doctor may advise you to taken a calcium supplement as a part of a vitamin D supplement regimen.
Tips and Warnings
- "The Merck Manual Home Edition" suggests that breastfed infants be given vitamin D supplements because breast milk contains little vitamin D.
- Taking very high daily supplements of vitamin D over several months can cause toxiticy and a high calcium level in the blood.
References
- "Total Nutrition: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need"; Victor Herbert and Gesell Subak-Sharpe; 1995
- "The Merck Manual Home Edition": Vitamin D Deficiency
- Mayo Clinic:Rickets
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