Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, a nutrient important in bone growth and development. Though you can get small amounts of vitamin D from certain foods, such as fish liver oils, cheese and egg yolks, you get the highest amount of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If you don't get enough vitamin D, you may develop rickets, a condition characterized by a severe vitamin D deficiency. Talk with your doctor immediately if you develop any of the signs and symptoms of severe vitamin D deficiency.
Bone Pain or Muscle Cramps
If you don't get appropriate levels of vitamin D, you may experience chronic bone tenderness or pain throughout your body, MedlinePlus reports. Bone pain may cause aching discomfort along your spine, legs, pelvis or arms. You may also experience muscle cramps -- which, in conjunction with bone pain, may disrupt your ability to move about normally without assistance.
Skeletal Abnormalities
Inadequate vitamin D levels can affect the way your bones form. Consequently, a severe vitamin D deficiency may cause skeletal abnormalities. If you have rickets, you may develop an unusual curve to your spinal cord, MayoClinic.com explains. This is referred to as scoliosis or kyphosis. You may also notice that your legs bow outward or that your wrist or ankle bones feel unusually thick. Your sternum or breastbone may also protrude forward, which may make your chest appear to puff up or stick out. Depending upon the severity of these skeletal abnormalities, you may experience difficulty sitting up, walking or running. If you develop these skeletal changes, talk with your doctor for further evaluation and care.
Tooth Weakness or Decay
A severe vitamin D deficiency may cause tooth weakness or decay. You may be more susceptible to dental cavities or may develop small holes within the enamel of your teeth, MedlinePlus reports. Young children or infants with rickets may experience a delay in the normal growth or formation of their baby teeth. Tooth weakness or decay may also contribute to tooth pain or increased sensitivity.
Delayed Growth
Infants, children and adolescents who don't get enough vitamin D may experience severe growth delays as a symptom of vitamin D deficiency, FamilyDoctor.org reports. If vitamin D levels aren't restored to normal, children with vitamin D deficiency may be unusually short in stature once they reach adulthood.
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