Vitamin D is important for the calcification and development of bones. It is necessary for calcium absorption and according to MayoClinic.com may play a role in preventing cancer, hypertension and osteoporosis. Production of vitamin D is stimulated by sunlight and is also found in dietary sources. Vitamin D deficiency can cause low calcium levels, osteomalacia or soft bones in adults and rickets in children. There are several causes of vitamin D deficiency.
Lack of Sunlight
Adults who live in areas with prolonged winters and little sunlight and the elderly are at risk for vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight. Dark skinned adults prove particularly susceptible according to UpToDate.com because the skin produces less vitamin D in response to sunlight. The use of sunscreen in the summer months also blocks the production of vitamin D. Parents who try to protect their infants and children from sun exposure may want to supplement with vitamin D. Elderly patients who live in nursing homes, become homebound or hospitalized for long periods of time may not get adequate sunlight exposure. According to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library, no one consumes enough vitamin D in their diet to compensate for lack of sun exposure.
Malabsorption
According to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. When the body cannot absorb fats a deficiency in vitamin D may occur. If you have an intestinal disease that causes malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease may not be able to absorb vitamin D through their diet. Then you may also have difficulty absorbing supplements, says to the Merck Manual. Gastric bypass surgery done for morbid obesity may also interfere with vitamin D absorption.
Inability to Convert to Active Form
Vitamin D is converted to an active form by certain enzymes produced by the liver and kidneys according to UpToDate.com. Disease in either organ system may cause vitamin D deficiency. The Merck Manual also notes that several rare hereditary disorders also prevent conversion to active form. Certain medications such as rifampin, which treats tuberculosis and anticonvulsive medications can interfere with vitamin D conversion.
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