Numerous factors can cause persistent vitamin D deficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in numerous body functions. Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium in the body to help build and maintain strong and healthy bones. Vitamin D also helps regulate the immune system and ward off chronic disease. In some individuals, certain medical conditions or environmental factors may cause a chronic, or long-term, vitamin D deficiency.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis can cause persistent vitamin D deficiency. According to the Linus Pauling Institute--a nutrition-related research institute at Oregon State University--fat malabsorption syndromes, including the fat malabsorption syndrome associated with cystic fibrosis, can impair the absorption of dietary vitamin D. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening inherited disease that causes serious lung damage and nutritional deficiencies. Common signs and symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis include persistent cough, wheezing, repeated lung and sinus infections, foul-smelling stools, poor weight gain and growth, and intestinal blockage. A person with cystic fibrosis does not digest or store fats well and may experience chronic vitamin D deficiency. Osteoporosis--a dangerous thinning of bones--is a common vitamin D-related complication associated with cystic fibrosis.
Inadequate Sunlight Exposure
A person who fails to get sufficient sunlight exposure may suffer chronic vitamin D deficiency. The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements states that vitamin D is produced endogenously, or within the body, when ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure is biologically inert, or inactive, and must undergo two reactions--one in the liver, the other in the kidney--before it is activated. According to the National Institutes of Health, most people get sufficient vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. However, the UV energy above 42 degrees north latitude--a significant portion of the United States--is insufficient for cutaneous, or skin, vitamin D synthesis from November through February. A person with dark skin is especially vulnerable to persistent vitamin D deficiency at such northern latitudes.
Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia can cause long-term vitamin D deficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels, ranges from an asymptomatic biochemical abnormality to a life-threatening condition, based on its duration, severity and speed of development. Hypocalcemia can be caused by decreased entry of calcium into the circulation, increased loss of calcium from the circulation and other factors such as surgery or chemotherapy. The Cleveland Clinic states that hypocalcemia associated with vitamin D deficiency is caused by decreased dietary calcium intake. Possible signs and symptoms associated with hypocalcemia include seizures, dementia, anxiety, depression, muscle stiffness and spasms, congestive heart failure, hypotension, dry skin and eczema. In most cases, hypocalcemia may be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
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